 Well, with a new year, many people are looking to make some healthy lifestyle changes. Josh Peterson spoke with some local experts on what your first steps should be. With the start of a new year, area gyms are seeing an uptick in their memberships. For many, it's a chance to start fresh and make some self-improvements. But just how and where to start can be intimidating. For most, just taking the first step and joining a gym is an accomplishment. If they want something more specialized, then we'll just, you know, set up training sessions right away and get that going. But it's usually a good way for them to start for the first three, four weeks, you know, just something basic to start with. Many local gyms recommend starting out small and starting with smaller goals while building momentum and setting up your routine. I think you need to start off with becoming consistent and trying to get into the gym two or three times a week. Just smaller goals and then going from there. For those hitting the gym, it's important to understand your gains and realize everyone's body will react differently to fitness and timelines. You don't want to set goals that are unobtainable. So just small baby steps, especially for someone who has never been a member of a gym. Just become comfortable with the equipment, the facility. At times, a gym can be overwhelming. Trainers recommend asking plenty of questions and set up a game plan for developing your routine. We kind of will help them figure out a starting point and how many days a week they should work out and that type of thing. While some people tend to give up by February, making a routine of working out two to three times per week will likely see you through your first goal and beyond. In Bemidji, Josh Peterson, Lakeland News. If you've enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland Public Television.