If you’re planning on over-indulging this Christmas – and let’s be honest, who isn’t – then you might want to start thinking now about ways to shape up in the New Year. Luckily Chippenham is well equipped to help you fight the flab.

For a smallish town we’re not short on gyms or sports clubs.

The Olympiad fitness centre is a large gym with decent equipment and helpful staff. It’s not brand new but has been refurbished in recent years.

There’s also Gym UK on Bumpers Farm industrial estate, which is offering free trials to anyone interested in joining. There’s also a pay as you go option so you don’t have to sign up for a membership.

For ladies only there’s Curves. A small but perfectly formed gym just off New Road (union Road) and there’s a gym at the Angel Hotel.

If treadmills aren’t your thing then why not try a class? The Olympiad offers a range of classes from Body Combat to Spinning and even water aerobics. Gym UK also offers classes, such as Body Pump and street dancing!

Alternatively, why not making your New Year fitness regime a hobby? Join Chippenham Harriers running club perhaps and train for a race or even a marathon? You’ll need to become a member but they cater for beginners too.

Or, try your hand at tennis  or a range of other sports at Chippenham Sports Club, or even golf. 

Hopefully the above will give you some ideas and if you have any better suggestions for beating the bulge in 2011 I’d love to hear!