New Year's is such a fun time. It is a chance for a fresh start. It is the perfect time to evaluate our current positions and where we want to be. Fitness centers all over the area will be offering ways to help you get a fresh start for 2012 and save money doing it. 

If your goal is to get fit, call around to the different trainers and gyms in the area. This is the most popular time of year for people to start diets and work out routines and these companies know it. They will probably all offer some sort of deal for the new year. Some will offer personal trainers, free sessions, classes or just regular work out equipment for you to use. Whatever your need is, Alpharetta has it in the form of gyms and fitness centers.

Before you spend your hard earned money, think about what you can do without spending a dime. Some companies offer gym memberships as part of their compensation to employees. If you are not sure if your company does this, call your human relations office and ask. Some apartment complexes and neighborhoods offer free workout rooms right there in the subdivision. You may already be paying for this in your homeowners dues. Walking, running and doing the exercise routines that are on the cable channels are all free. Videos at Target start at $5. But, if you want to join a gym or a fitness center, check out the deals and specialties local ones have to offer. Here are some of the local places that will help you get fit for 2012.

Studio One To One offers personalized training and lifestyle change education in Milton. Elaina will give you a  consultation and create a custom plan for you to meet your fitness goals. She has a studio where guests will work out and learn about nutrition in a private setting. 

Lifetime Fitness is offering new members programs with no enrollment fees right now. They still charge an administration fee and monthly fees, but they are adding weight loss programs on top of membership so it is a great deal. They have a free pass on their website and their enrollment counselors are always available to show visitors around this huge, high-end facility.

Main Street Yoga has a new session starting on Jan 2. This is the perfect time to begin a class. Drop in rates are $20 but if you buy them in bulk, the price drops to under $12 each. They offer day and evening sessions to accommodate  the needs of participants at the studio. 

If you are looking for a totally private experience, Bizzy Body Personal Training in Milton will do this for you. Kate will meet you at your home or hers for sessions. See her website for more information. Personal private training like this will be a lot more expensive than generic work out studios and classes. However, customers like that she will come to their house or work out in her private studio and training can be totally personalized and no one will ever watch you work out. There is a lot more accountability with this type of training as well, which costs more as well. 

Mind And Body Fusion offers a studio with the personal training. They are not a public gym and are strictly personal trainers. This is great for those who need the one-on-one constant attention to meet the goals. Again, this type of training is much more costly than a public open gym but provides the constant watch for those of us who tend to quit or slack a bit. 

Morris Fitness is a studio that offers personal training and equipment to its members. They offer yoga classes as well as strength and fitness training. It has private and group classes. 

Alpa Pilates offers yoga, spinning, Pilates and rehab services to their clients. They have classes with four people in a class so while they are group classes, they are small and very personalized. Session prices range from $15 to $25 each depending on how often you attend. For more information on their prices and schedule, see their website.

Anytime Fitness is going to be one of the most economical choices for gym goers. They offer 24-hour access to their facility of machines and and equipment with a key card. They do have personal trainers that will meet customers for appointments for additional fees. They run discounts and specials very frequently and customers can get a deal here by calling and if no specials are current, wait a couple of weeks and try again. See their website for current bargains. 

Crossfit Alpharetta offers training in group sessions that will keep clients moving the whole time. The workout are intense and are sure to get you in shape. They offer rates by the month so guests can go to as many classes as they desire and these rates start at $160 a month. The training is personalized to meet individual needs yet still in a group setting. Classes meet at varied times of the day to accommodate schedules of guests. They have a schedule and posting of rates on their website. 

Curves is an all female circuit center that offers programs for fitness and weight loss that require 30 minutes each day. Each studio is independently owned and offers their own specials. There are two locations in the Alpharetta area. One is on Main Street and the other is in the Midway area. 

There are many other places in the area that will help you get fit. You can see a list of Alpharetta and Milton businesses that proivide these services here. If you have a gym or go to a gym that you love, please tell us about it. Patch would love to hear where you go and why you love it. A bonus would be if you told us how much you pay for the services as well since cost is a huge part of choosing a gym.