One of the most common New Year’s Resolutions is to lose weight. We all want to look and feel our best so whether or not you need to drop a couple pounds, regular exercise is proven to have numerous other benefits as well. Working out consistently leads to better sleep, stronger bones, and even improved mental health. Washington is one of the fittest cities in the country and residents at Park Van Ness’s DC apartments are lucky to have a number of excellent fitness options in the vicinity.

Read on for the best ways to get in shape in the new year!

Join a Gym

There’s no time like the present to sign up for a gym membership. While it may feel daunting to walk through the doors on the first day, consider signing up with a trainer for some additional support the first month. A personal trainer can help you get into a routine, feel more motivated, and keep you invested in the process (physically and financially). By signing up for a yearlong membership, you’re more likely to go with some regularity so as not to waste your money.

Gold’s Gym in Van Ness is a great option for those in the neighborhood looking for a classic gym with expert trainers and lots of machines to choose from. The monthly rate is low and the overall wellness payoff is high.

Head Outdoors

Many people prefer to do cardio outside. In DC, there are lots of great options beyond the traditional gym. You can run through the neighborhoods, hit the trails in Rock Creek Park, or try out November Project’s free group workout on the Lincoln Memorial steps. The weather in DC tends to be chilly in January and February, but with the right gear, there’s no reason you can’t work out outdoors all winter long.

Sign up for ClassPass

Plenty of Washingtonians need flexibility and variety when it comes to their workouts. Long days at the office often mean it’s hard to stay on a consistent gym schedule. Luckily, ClassPass exists for busy professionals. Download the fitness app to sign up for ad hoc workout classes around the city. You can do a barre class one day, HIIT the next, and round out your week with yoga.

Users pay upfront for points that can be applied to different classes and you can book your workouts whenever is most convenient for your daily schedule. Several of the boutique studios in Tenleytown, Cathedral Commons, and Woodley Park are on ClassPass so Park Van Ness residents don’t have to travel far.

Of course, those who live at Park Van Ness can also head to the apartment building’s gym for a quick sweat session or join one of the resident yoga classes. Throughout the summer, yoga classes are offered monthly on the roof deck, weather permitting.