Joining a Gym and Making It Work.

• Position: EXERCISE

Another new year and another set of plans to join a gym. How do we make it work for real this year? Todd Scartozzi, chief operating officer of Retro Fitness, offers these suggestions:

* Consistency is the key to success. "Remember, Rome was not built in a day, and neither will you. Ensure goals are sensible and progressive."

* Put your ego aside. "Range of motion, also known as mobility, is the foundation of power. The greater mobility you have in and around a joint, the more power you will be able to generate. Do not sacrifice form for strength; your body will thank you later for all the future injuries you will avoid."

* Do not skip cardio. 'The most important muscle in your body that feeds oxygen and nutrients to those guns needs training, too. While too much cardio can be catabolic if nutritional needs aren't met, cardio is very important for the cardiovascular/circulatory system, brain health, and immune health."

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