Picture this pleasantry - you have an hour to yourself at the gym. No kids, no work, no phones, no laptops, no blackberries. Not even a gym partner. Just you and a full hour to work on your body and mind.

And the person next to you is grunting, swearing, gesticulating and becoming so loud you think there's going to be some kind of showdown. He won't go postal, he'll go gymnal!

Joining a gym or health club can be a great tool to becoming more active, but is it working for you? Many people join and do well for several weeks or months, but then get busy, or bored, and stop going as frequently. Suddenly, you are out of the habit and perhaps a little embarrassed to return. The problem is, you become conditioned to be active in one environment only.