Gut check

After the food, folks and fun of the holiday season, an honest look in the mirror prompts some to take that first big step to losing their jelly belly.

Whether you hit the weight machines, free weights, cardio machines or go with a group exercise class or personal trainer, getting started and sticking with it is the key, according to area fitness centers.

"You've got to get up and moving and doing something," YMCA program director Dave Scheck said Wednesday.

He recommends starting out on the weight or strength training machines and then graduate to training with free weights.

The YMCA of Highlands County has four personal trainers that work with different age groups and fitness levels.

"They focus on your personal needs and what you are actually looking to do," Scheck said. "If you are looking to lose weight or run the next marathon, it's up to you."

The YMCA is located at 100 YMCA Lane, Sebring.

Fitness Factory owner Bill Westergom said it's not any one age group that typically makes a pledge to improve their fitness in the new year.

He advises that those trying to get in shape in a hurry need some patience because after putting on that extra 30 pounds over a few years it's not going to come off in one week.

Consistency is important, Westergom stressed. A person doesn't have to be in the gym every day, but a recommended three days a week or even two days a week is all one needs to improve their fitness level.

The Fitness Factory is located at 3100 Medical Way, Sebring.

Sebring's Gold's Gym, 1720 U.S. 27 N., is gearing up for its full opening of the gym on Monday.

The key to any fitness effort is moderation and not going on crazy diets and starve yourself, said Gold's manager Jeff Satterfield.

You've got to get the exercise and eat sensibly and stick to it, which is most people's problem, they just don't stick to it.

Anytime Fitness trainer Andy Polk advises to eat breakfast, which jump starts your metabolism and gives your body the fuel it needs to start your day.

Eat smaller portions, have a healthy snack between meals and move your body, he said. Regular exercise is not only tied to a healthy body weight but to lowering cholesterol, reducing blood pressure, living longer and a higher quality of life.

Anytime Fitness is located at 906 U.S. 27 S., Avon Park.

On treadmills, stationary bikes and weight machines and group classes, a number of people, young and old, exercised Tuesday morning at the YMCA.

Taking a break after his workout, the Rev. Seth Bliven said he stays fit and trim at 82 years old by working out 60 to 90 minutes three days a week on the strength training machines, treadmill and stationary bike.

He weighed around 180 pounds a few years ago, but now maintains 140 to 145 pounds on his 5-foot-9-inch frame.

"A part of it is the food you eat, what you drink and it's also exercise," Bliven said.

While listening to techno music on her MP3 player, Kasey Tifer peddled at a determined rate on a stationary bike.

Her fitness goal is to lose 10 to 15 pounds "to get more muscle definition going on," she said.

The 23-year-old nursing student, was active in high school sports, but said she has been "slacking off" since she's been in college.

"So I'm trying to get back in shape like I was in high school," Tifer said.

As some work to shed extra pounds others are looking to gain weight by increasing their muscle mass.

Tifer's husband, 23-year-old Vincent Tifer, said he stayed fit while in the military. But, at 6-foot 1-inch, he was only 141 pounds when he got out of the Army in February.

"Since I've been working out and staying fit, I've put on 25-30 pounds," he said. "My wife, she does the cardio equipment and I usually come in and do all free weights and all the different machines they have."