EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--With the coming of the New Year, people are once again pondering new fitness resolutions. But, don 't we hear all too often about the failed New Year's resolution? Is it really worth trying given the less-than-encouraging statistics?

Life Time Fitness (NYSE:LTM) says, "YES." And, to help prevent falling off the fitness wagon in 2008 – causing frustration, regret and discouragement for many who want a healthier, more fit and active lifestyle – the national operator of sports, professional fitness, family recreation and resort & spa centers offers its basic tips for health and fitness resolution success, along with profiles of members who are achieving just that.

"There's nothing wrong with resolving to get fit, but so many resolutions fail because they are approached in the wrong way," said Jeff Zwiefel, Senior Vice President, Life Time Fitness. "Statistics show that 50 per cent of the people who start an exercise program discontinue it in six months. However, we want to help people design and implement a well-rounded, balanced program that allows them to start a new resolution on the right foot. By following a simple set of tips, anyone can begin anew on a reasonable, sound plan based on education, exercise, and nutrition, and most importantly, maintain it. "

1. RELAX. Most of what Thoreau said about life holds true for fitness – "It is the journey, not the destination." Remember that fitness is a continuous pursuit. You have the rest of your life to improve it – not just this winter or before swimsuit season starts. The goal is to improve a little bit every day, not to go from couch potato to triathlete in three weeks. Don't put too much pressure on yourself or you'll set yourself up for frustration, physical injury and failure.

2. RESEARCH. Give some forethought to your fitness approach. Many fling themselves into running or working with equipment without thinking if they really like it or if it is right for their needs. Find something you like to do, because you're much more likely to stick with it if you do. And collect information about your body – things like body weight, heart rate, body fat content, and aerobic capacity – before you start. As well, knowing how the body responds to food and exercise is critical to your success. Also, it is always a good idea to contact your doctor before starting any new diet or exercise program.

3. REACH SHORT-TERM GOALS. Know where you're at to begin with so you can decide where you want to go. List some achievable, measurable or specific targets by which to track your progress. A personal trainer is great for helping you determine what these goals should be. Remember that a complete fitness program should incorporate fitness, nutrition and education for optimum results. Your fitness program should also be a balance of cardiovascular, strength and flexibility conditioning, with a greater focus on the one that is most closely related to your goals.

4. REALITY CHECK. Many fitness resolutions are too aggressive or even impossible. Be realistic. If you've been sedentary for years, a walk around the block one day may equal success. Good fitness is gradual, measured improvement. No matter what the ads say, you're not going to have perfect abs or the body you had 20 years ago in ten minutes a day. If you think you will, you're bound to fail. Remember, individual results will vary.

5. REVIEW. Know that you'll have to make adjustments and course corrections along the way. Track your progress and listen to your body. If something doesn't feel right, don't force it. If you start running and it bores you to tears, or if you experience undue discomfort, try something else – reduce your intensity, increase your duration, or mix activities to keep the interest level high and utilize different muscle groups.

"If there's a theme underlying the tips for success, it's that fitness is like most other goals worth pursuing," said Zwiefel. " Resolving to be fit is important, but it's also important to have a reasonable plan, to have good information about how to get started and succeed, to make sure that your goals are achievable and reasonable, and to stick with it over the long run. Also, don 't be afraid to add some variety to your program or to work out with a group who has similar interests. With this type of approach, short-term setbacks won't cause long-term failure. "

So does anyone really achieve success with their resolutions? Absolutely. Here's just a sampling of individuals who have tremendous accomplishments to share:

• Leanne Hensley, Deerfield Township, OH – Leanne's father died at a young age so at 35 years old she felt she needed to take charge of her own health and wellness. And with a three year old & four year old at home, she wanted to be able to keep up with them too. So, in August, Leanne sought the services of a personal trainer and a nutrition coach. To date, she has lost 53 lbs and continues toward her goal to lead a healthy life style for her family. Resolutions DO come true.

• Vicki Dreyer, Dublin, OH – Vicky was diagnosed with hypothyroid disease and sleep apnea about five years ago. She experienced continual weight gain, elevated blood pressure and high cholesterol. After a myriad of prescriptions and little progress, Vicky took it upon herself to lose weight and exercise. She joined Life Time in April 2007. With the help of a personal trainer and a nutritional coach, Vicky has dropped 32 lbs. Her August physical indicated significant drop in blood pressure and cholesterol levels. Resolutions DO come true.
• Jennifer Faz, Deerfield Township, OH – At 35 years old and a lifetime of arthritis and an adult life of limited fitness activity, Jennifer engaged the services of a personal trainer at Life Time Fitness after she was diagnosed with Rheumatoid arthritis. Shortly after she began to regularly work out it was discovered part of her spine was fusing together. Her doctor approved of her work-out routine that her trainer had created for her and encouraged her to continue. Her program of low impact exercises with a proper stretching and flexibility programs slowing reduced the stress on her joints and increased her flexibility, her mobility while also strengthening her cardiovascular system and her endurance. While she can't cure her condition, Jennifer has learned to limit the effects of her condition while still leading a vibrant and fulfilling life. Resolutions DO come true.
• Herb Light, Deerfield Township, OH – Originally planning to lose 15 or 20 lbs and improve his strength, Herb decided to join Life Time Fitness. After touring the center and meeting some of the staff, he changed his goals to losing 25 lbs, and improving his strength and his cardio conditioning. Herb did more than that – he has lost 28 lbs and his body fat has decreased by 15%. His cardio and strength have improved beyond his expectation and he has added yoga to improve his flexibility. Resolutions DO come true.

For more information about these inspiring individuals and their stories or Life Time Fitness centers, programming and products, please contact Kent Wipf, Life Time Fitness, at kwipf@lifetimefitness.com or 952-229-7211.

About Life Time Fitness, Inc.

Life Time Fitness, Inc. (NYSE:LTM) operates distinctive and large sports and athletic, professional fitness, family recreation and resort/spa centers. As of December 17, 2007 the Company operated 70 centers in 15 states, including Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas, Utah and Virginia. The Company also operated one satellite facility and four preview locations in existing and new markets. Life Time Fitness provides consumers with personal training consultation, full-service spas and cafes, corporate wellness programs, health and nutrition education, the healthy lifestyle magazine, Experience Life, athletic events, and nutritional products and supplements. Life Time Fitness is headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota ( www.lifetimefitness.com).

LIFE TIME FITNESS, the LIFE TIME FITNESS logo, and EXPERIENCE LIFE are registered trademarks of Life Time Fitness, Inc. All other trademarks or registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.