Don't Weight! The New Year is well on its way to springtime. If you haven't bought into the infomercials about dropping two sizes in a week or taking diet pills, try the old-fashioned way: exercise. Here are some tips for exercising outdoors and in the gym:

Outdoors: • Do check the weather before leaving the house. You may need to dress in layers, so wear appropriate shoes and clothing.

• If you live alone, let someone know where you will be. It's a good idea to create an emergency call list to leave at home and with trusted neighbors.

• Do use common sense at all times, and be aware of your surroundings. If you wear headphones or talk on the phone, this may be disastrous.

• For security and in case you have an accident, carry an identification card, a small amount of cash, and cell phone with you.

In the Gym

• Do obey the fitness center's rules. These may include wearing correct workout shoes, not using cell phones, and signing in at the front desk.

• Don't be late for personal training sessions and group fitness classes. It's your dime, plus being late for group classes distracts the others in the group. 


• Don't hog the weight machines. When others want to use them, agree to rotate your sets. Follow the club rules.

• Do reset weight machines back to the lowest setting. 
Otherwise, the next person may have to spend time resetting them--or worse, could injure him- or herself by trying to lift a weight that's too heavy.

• Do limit your time on the treadmill and other cardio machines. The rule is usually 30 minutes if others are waiting for a turn. Again, always follow the club rules.

• Do wipe up your sweat, please! This includes mats and machines. Keep a towel with you at all times. No one wants to sit or lie in someone else's sweat.

• Don't use perfumes in the locker room. Out of concern for members with asthma or allergies, keep the spray products to a minimum.

• Keep your clothes and other personal items stored in lockers. Clean up after yourself in the showers, sink, and changing areas, and deposit used towels in the proper receptacles.