Read part 1: Hannah Gray gets some expert advice, looks into special offers available in local gyms

Alternatives to the gym:

If you quite literally want to step off the treadmill and do your exercise away from the gym, there are loads of options.


Tum-thing to help you tone up hips

Belly dancing is an ancient dance form which is still popular today. It is good for hips, bums and thighs.

Mother and daughter team Lynn and Faye Semeraro, right, working as JellyBelly Dancing, run classes around the city.

Lynn said: "The first thing people new to belly dancing will notice is increased mobility in their joints and improved endurance.

"The shimmying you do in belly dancing is good for your cardiovascular system, but is done gently, and is a constant build-up."

Beginners classes are held on Monday nights at 6.45pm at St Andrew's Church Hall, Ledbury Road, Netherton.

On Tuesday nights, at the same venue, there is a beginners class at 6.45pm and an intermediate class at 7.45pm. On Wednesdays, beginners classes are held at Thorpe Primary School in Atherstone Avenue, Netherton at 6.30pm.

Children's classes are run on Mondays at St John's Hall in Mayor's Walk at 4.30pm. Adult classes cost £5 and children's classes cost £4.

For more information, ring Lynn on 01733 260800.


Getting fit is a pole load of fun

Pole dancing is a craze that has moved away from sleazy nightclubs to fitness studios where women get fit while rediscovering their sexiness.

Here in Peterborough, The Pole Fun Roadshow and Studio runs classes which start right at the basics and help dancers work their way up to complex gymnastic moves.

Teacher Heather Anderson, right, insists it is a dance form which anyone can do without fear of embarrassment.

"I can't emphasise enough that the classes are for everyone," she said.

"People needn't be shy, because there is never any bitching and back stabbing.

"It doesn't matter what size you are, or what age.

There is a great sense of unity and such a supportive atmosphere.

"Many new friendships are made and last well beyond the classes."

The Pole Fun Roadshow and Studio is in Fletton. For more information, call 0845 2300193 or 07980 627724 or email info@polefunroadshow.co.uk.


Promote well-being

Yoga is another form of exercise that has some serious history, as teacher Simon Thompson explained.

He said: "Yoga is an ancient practice which promotes a feeling of strength and well-being.

"It can help build core body strength, strengthen the immune system and allow the practitioner to control mental stress more easily."

Simon's classes run at Folksworth Village Hall on Sundays from 6pm to 7.30pm. Monday classes run at Sawtry Women's Institute Hall from 7.30pm to 8.45pm. On Tuesdays classes are at Austin Hall, Yaxley Amenity Centre, from 6pm to 7pm.

Call Simon on 01733 247817 for starting dates for the New Year, or visit www.yogawithsimon.co.uk.


Tai Chi and Salsa are other options

Taoist Tai Chi classes are held on Tuesdays at Warmington Village Hall from 6.30pm to 8pm, at Owen Pooley Hall, Yaxley, from 7pm to 8.30pm, and at Austin Hall, Yaxley from 7.30pm until 9.15pm.

On Wednesdays they are held at Millfield Community Centre, Lincoln Road, Peterborough, from 10.15am to noon, and at Colonel Dane Memorial Hall, Alwalton, from 7.30pm to 9.15pm.
For more information, call Mike Turner on 01780 481665 or e-mail mikes-mail@tiscali.co.uk. Alternatively visit www.taoist.org.uk.

Tu Danse studios in Newark Road runs a range of dance classes for all ages and abilities. New for 2008 are Latin-acise, which starts on Wednesday, January 9, adult couples beginners Latin and ballroom, which starts Tuesday, January 8 and Tai Chi for beginners.

For more information, call 01733 553830 or visit www.tudanse.co.uk.

Salsa classes are held on Mondays at Edward's Bar, Broadway, Peterborough. A salsa club runs from 7pm to 11pm, with beginners lessons at 8.30pm. On Thursdays the club is at the City Club, Priestgate, Peterborough at the same time as the Monday session. Entry costs £5 and singles, couples and groups are all welcome.

For more information, call Alan Bull on 01733 344934 or visit www.everybodysalsa.com.