I don't like going to the gym in January. Not because of the weather -- I live in Florida, so it's pretty warm. Not because of the holiday weight I might or might not need to work off -- it's just another challenge. My problem with the gym this time of year is how packed it is ... packed with all of the people who made a resolution to get fit and lose weight. People who will probably stop going by February and cancel their memberships by April.

This is such a common occurrence that it has a name -- the January Rush. And over at Lemondrop, they're a little frustrated with it.

While I'm not a big fan of waiting in line to workout, I'm fortunate enough to have a flexible schedule, so this time of year, I just make sure to avoid going at peak times. And, I have to say that everyone's a gym newbie at one point, so try to have a little patience. You never know -- your next workout buddy might be the new girl trying to figure out the kayak machine!

Whether you're a gym newbie or a longtime devotee, you can find some great diet and weight-loss tips at America Takes It Off -- click on the badge below!

Can you laugh your way thin? You'll need to change your diet and exercise habits too, but Laura shares why laughter isn't just the best medicine, it's also good for weight loss.

Sure, we usually call them New Year resolutions, but Jacki has a very good argument for not tying your diet and fitness goals to the calendar.

Even when you're avoiding the inside aisles at the grocery store, sometimes processed foods are a necessity. Here are the 20 worst packaged foods, so you can make a mental note that reads: AVOID.

Alanis Morrisette went vegan to lose 20 pounds and claims that giving up animal products changed her life. Could you make such an extreme lifestyle choice?

Tragic Exercise Face -- Do you suffer from it? And what the heck is it? Kristen has the scoop.

Don't want to spend all day at the grocery store reading food labels? Bev has some quick tips for picking out the most nutritious foods.

Oh, Oprah, Oprah, Oprah. There's nothing more frustrating than having to face weight loss again. Do you think she can slim down one more time and keep it off this time?

So you're sniffling and sneezing ... should you work out? Bev tells you when to hit the gym, and when to stay home under the covers.

Are you having trouble teaching your parents healthy habits? Fitz has advice for adult children whose parents struggling with their weight.

You're eating right and exercising, but still can't seem to squeeze into those skinny jeans? Try cutting back on salt to see if you can shed some water weight.

Speaking of skinny jeans, That's Fit readers lost a whopping 102 pounds this week in our America Takes it Off: Shrink a Size challenge! You rock!! Don't forget to stop by tomorrow for next week's challenge.

Have a great week, everyone!

Going into 2009, we can all use a little extra inspiration. And where better to find it than Hollywood, right? As always, we have all the scoop on what all the hot Hollywood types are doing to stay in such fabulous shape. Just click on your favorites above to see how they're keeping fit!

How many late Decembers have you spent furiously resolving to do this and not do that?

Who can forget the image of Carol Burnett as Scarlet O'Hara, complete with curtain rods? Actress and comedian Carol Burnett is as loved as the quirky characters she's played. So it's great to hear that she's taking good care of herself.

When asked what her New Year's resolution is, Burnett said, "Just to keep on keeping on -- and something for my own personal self, to continue to exercise. It's a tough one, but I do pilates, and they do help, for the bones and general flexibility. You have to have a trainer, and I have a wonderful gal who helps me. I'm not too thrilled as I'm doing them, but afterward I feel great."

Check out other TV stars New Year's resolutions.

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Welcome to the Good, the Fat and the Hungry. I'm Karla and I have been -- or am -- all those things. Here, I will share with you my lifelong struggle with my weight, and I hope you'll follow along on with my determined attempt to lose nearly 40 pounds. I promise to tell you every win and setback along the way every Tuesday and Friday.

Well, 2008 has drawn to a close. As I do at every year's end, I am experiencing a mix of pride and self-disappointment. I started the year wearing a size 18-20 and am ending it in a firm size 12. Many would consider this a reason to celebrate. Normally I would, too. However, as my trainer Jake so often reminds me, I could have done better. I have few regrets over this last year but ironically, they are related to fitness and healthy eating. Fortunately, every meal is a chance to do better.

In no way does this discount the many changes I have made. I am proud of the fact that I am investing in my own fitness and actually look forward to my sessions with Jake. I take the initiative to follow through on days without him and even do the routines as instructed. Most of the time. That's better than rarely or never. My hope is that in the new year, it will be always.

Here at That's Fit, we're constantly telling you what we think about things, but sometimes it's nice to know what you think. So from time to time, we'll ask you a question. Don't be afraid to speak up -- we love feedback.

As the years wind to a close, most of us have scribbled 'lose weight' or 'get fit' on our list of New Year's resolutions. But what about 2009? Do you have some healthy resolutions on your list?

Minding your manners this season may do more than endear you to your new grandmother-in-law. It can also help you keep the lid on holiday weight gain.

Brush up on your etiquette, and you might not need to make that weight loss resolution come New Year's. Our own Miss (Fit) Manners Kristen Seymour explains it all over at Holidash.

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It's kick-off time ... for the the holiday season, that is. And with that comes holiday weight gain.

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While running and walking on the treadmill today at the gym, I tuned into Live with Regis and Kelly on my cardio theater TV. Well, it was Pat Sajak and Kelly this morning but the format was still the same -- chit-chat over coffee, a review of a few newsy items, spinning of the prize wheel, and then a few guests. The show kept me entertained, passed the time while I pounded away on the rubber beneath my feet, and actually gave me something to think about.

One of today's guests was Hulk Hogan, semi-retired professional wrestler, actor, and sometimes rock bassist who starred on his own VH1 reality show Hogan Knows Best and is the new host of NBC's American Gladiators.

Anyone who knows what Hulk Hogan looks like knows the man is bursting at the seams with muscle. This is exactly what prompted host Kelly, who admitted she was admiring his biceps, to ask this giant person about his New Year's resolutions. Did he resolve to go to the gym more? Or less? Nope on both counts, said Hulk Hogan, who shared he spends two hours every day in the gym. His resolutions this year are (1) To stay positive and (2) To be happy.

I like these resolutions. I just might adopt them as guiding principles for the year. For each scenario that faces me, I think I'll strive for the most positive attitude possible. And I'll only choose courses of action that truly make me happy. Now I plan to go to my fitness center more too, unlike Hulk Hogan who doesn't really need any more gym time, but as for my non-specific resolutions, I say Cheers! to being both positive and happy.

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2008 is in full swing now, and you're out of excuses for putting off those New Year's resolutions you made when your pants felt a little tight on boxing day. But unlike previous years, make 2008 the year you stick to your resolutions and carry them right through until next December 31st. You'll need some help, of course. Here are some resources to help you have your best year yet:

• Passionforhealth.org is re-launching their Habit Guide eBook. Written by Mike Kinnaird, a health expert and personal coach, it's got lots of savvy advice to help you get to the route of your past failures.
  
• Our friends over at A Calorie Counter recently put together a very comprehensive weight loss guide -- check it out when you have a chance!
• Keeping a food and exercise journal is a great first step in losing weight -- you can track your daily progress for free over at FitDay.

It's that time! Tomorrow is the beginning of a new year, a clean slate, a new start. What's your resolution this year? You might have more than just 1 goal for 2008, but I bet there's something to do with weight loss, nutrition, or overall health in there somewhere. And since it's no secret that the majority of New Years resolutions fall by the wayside well before February, it's probably a good idea to go into the whole thing with a serious plan on how you're not going to let your new goals be among the casualties. So with success in mind, here are 10 tips for improving your odds at sticking to your New Years Resolution:

• Play to your strengths Meaning have healthy alternatives available if you're an evening snacker, or if you're a social eater try to plan non-eating activities with friends.
  

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A resolution like 'getting in shape' can easily lead to overspending. Some of the most common credit card purchases in January and February are workout clothes, gym memberships, exercise DVDs, diet pills and more -- many of which are left unused by the end of the year.

This year, look for low-cost ways (like these) to meet your new goals:

• Use the gym at a community center on a cost-per-visit basis (some are even free).
• Stick with a plain t-shirt and pair of sweats, they are just as effective as fancy workout clothes.
• Borrow exercise videos from the library, or rent them through Netflix (I'm always amazed at how many people don't realize you can take out DVDs, for free, from the library).
  
• Buy used exercise equipment and develop a weight-training routine that you can do at home.
  
• As far as the diet pills go, just don't waist your money.

Your wallet, and you waistline, will thank you!

Keep your resolution front of mind by writing it down and sticking it to your mirror, fridge or even in your car. Then, add a list of related mini goals to spur your motivation.

If your goal is to lose weight, for example, then your mini goals might be:

• When stressed, eat an apple instead of a doughnut.
• For every hour of tv watching, walk at least 15 minutes.

Each time you complete a mini goal, place a fun gold star next to it! While simple in concept, it works. It makes you feel capable, builds enthusiasm and helps prevent you from losing hope.