With the New Year starting and our penchant for making resolutions - often to do with our bodies and fitness - many of our readers are sending in fitness questions. I decided to tackle four in one article, along with suggesting another site where you will read New Year advice from Gin Miller - the best of the best fitness instructors in the country, in my opinion.

Gin is the inventor of the step and step aerobics, along with being a leader at Reebok University. After you finish reading my answers below, visit her site and click on newsletter.

Q. I'm really going to get in shape this year and want to join a health club. Any advice on how to choose one? I don't want to be surrounded by body builders and bathing beauties. What should I look for (and avoid?)

A. You are wise to take time to shop around for a health club. First of all, decide what is your preferred type of exercise and what time of day you would be using the club. Plan to visit several clubs in your area - one reason club members don't continue working out is that the club they've joined isn't conveniently located.

Visit at the time of day you would be using the club. If you want to use the machines, are there enough that you won't have to wait forever? If you plan to attend classes, are there classes being given at this time? Does the instructor appear to know what she/he is doing.

If you plan to swim, is the pool to your liking? Take advantage of a guest pass (most clubs will offer this if you ask), so that you can spend some time working out and asking members what they like and dislike about the club. You will also discover if the club is comfortable for you.

Is it clean? Is the staff friendly, knowledgeable and helpful. I doubt that you will be surrounded by body builders and bathing beauties, but you will get a feel for the type of members who use the club.

My only warning is to remember that the person who shows you around wants to sell you a membership - that is his or her job. Do not let them talk you into signing up before you are sure this is the place for you and is a fair price - a lot of clubs will bargain!

First and foremost, you want to find a club that is close, has a comfortable atmosphere and will be fun to use. Only 2% of the population that sign up and pay for a health club membership ever use it. You don't want to be one of those other 98%.

Q. I was making some progress walking outside until the weather turned so cold. What can I do to keep fit inside in these cold days? I don't drive anymore and can't really afford a health club membership. Walking around my small home would make me dizzy!

A. Congratulations on your walking! And fortunately the weather has been relatively kind to walkers this year I am sure that you realize that you can bundle up more, and walk a little faster on the colder days, but should avoid the bitter days. If you do go outside, if you cover your face and head, your body will generate lots of heat as you move.

I would suggest visiting a shopping mall, a museum, or some other structure that is large, so you can walk inside and also enjoy the experience. You did mention, however, that you no longer drive, and I am not sure how close you are to public transportation.

RTA has special buses available for pickup of seniors. You might want to call for information about this in you area at (216) 566-5100. Have you considered pairing up with a friend - who possibly drives - to share some inside walking adventures?

To avoid feeling "dizzy" from walking around your small house, try putting on some music that has a good beat. Then let yourself go. You may feel a little "silly" in the beginning, but just think about how you are doing your body and health a favor.

I suggest dancing, lifting your legs to the back and front, a few light jumping jacks, lunging to the right and left, and moving your arms. Grab a couple of unopened soup cans and lift them along with your movement. You can create your own fitness class for yourself. The whole idea is to keep moving and breathing to get that heart rate up. You may even enjoy it more than walking.

Q. There are so many different exercise machines advertised on TV. What is best - a treadmill, stair-climber, rowing machine? And why are some so much more expensive than others? Help!

A. Before even considering spending money on an exercise machine, you should, in private, decide whether or not you have the self discipline and the tendency to keep on working out at home. I can't tell you the number of people I know who have invested in expensive equipment that they have used for a week or a month and never used again.

As much as I work out and know the benefits, I very seldom can stick with a home routine. If you are determined that you would use an exercise machine at home - there are others I know who get up early and do this daily - here are my suggestions.

The machines that offer the most all round workout for the heart and upper and lower body do come with a high price tag. Two that are highly recommended by fitness experts are the Versaclimber by Heart Rate Inc. (www.versaclimber.com) and Key's Air Bike by Key's Fitness (www.keysfitness.com).

Another quality producer of equipment is Nordic Track at www.nordictrack.com and their reasonably priced skier has always come highly recommended by fitness professionals - it is out of stock right now, but I am sure they will have it back in stock soon.

If you are going to invest, be sure to choose a reputable company that will stay around for awhile (I have my doubts about many who advertise on TV).

Personally, I would suggest getting yourself a large stability ball - most come with a video and instructions - hand weights, a jumping rope and some of the other smaller, more reasonably priced exercise tools. Power Systems at www.power-systems.com offers a huge variety and you may call them at 1-800-321-6975 to get a catalogue.