Roundhouse-kick your way into 2009 with our cut-out-and-keep get fit guide. By Julianne Chou.

It’s the start of January, and all that festive cheer has started to take its toll. That paunch you’ve been passing off as “jolly” is looking decidedly jiggly, and you’ve come to one conclusion: It’s time to get that flabby ass back into shape.

Hit the Gym
Sure, we’ve all bought a gym membership, vowing to go every single day until we’re fighting fit again, only to give up in mid-February but continue to make payments for the next three years. How can we stay motivated? Freelance personal trainer Alley Tang suggests throwing yourself into it by reading up on fitness and using fun accessories. “It helps to read about exercise and learn about different methods from different health professionals in the world. Go outside, exercise at different speeds and resistances, and try to make it interesting,” he says. But how much exercise do we really need? “I would suggest that people who want to stay fit should exercise twice a week for 45 minutes to an hour each time,” says Tang. “People who actually want a fitter body should work out three or four times a week.”

YMCA
The good old Y is a dependable choice for affordable, no-gimmicks gym equipment, and to sweeten the deal, it’s offering a special Premium Evening Fitness membership that allows you to use the gym from 6:30pm-10:30pm at a discounted price of $699 for two months. The deal lasts from now until Feb 28. 41 Salisbury Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 2268-7055, www.ymcahk.org.hk

Seasons Fitness
This recently renovated gym has a referral program in which members are rewarded for every new friend they invite to the club. Rewards include a special referral gift and entry in a lucky draw. 3/F, ICBC Tower, Citibank Plaza, 3 Garden Rd., Central, 2878-6288, www.seasonsfitness.com

Phillip Wain
This gym also has a spa and health club for those who like a little luxury with their lunges. For New Year’s, Phillip Wain is offering a one-month membership at a special trial price of $1,288, which includes a free slimming treatment, massage or facial. The annual membership is $14,000, which includes rebates for beauty and slimming treatments, as well as access to its state-of-the-art gym. 4/F, Caroline Centre, 28 Yun Ping Rd., Causeway Bay, 2882-7880, www.phillip-wain.com

South China Athletic Association
You can’t beat this wallet-friendly club, with its $100 annual membership fee and awesome bowling alley with cheap beer (although that doesn’t really help you on your way to fitness, unfortunately). The association does have a gym, and until March, it’s offering a special morning membership that allows you to exercise from 7am-9am for $200 per month. 88 Caroline Hill Rd., Causeway Bay, 2577-6932, www.scaa.org.hk

Bend and Stretch
Yoga has evolved from an ancient Indian practice to a multimillion-dollar industry in the past few years, and with devotees touting benefits from toning the body to sharpening concentration and helping ward off insomnia, it’s no wonder. If you want to improve your flexibility and core strength, get signed up at one of the following studios. Hong Kong residents in particular have much to benefit from practicing yoga. Yoga instructor Connie Hong of Amico Studio says, “Most of the people interested in yoga here are working people who sit in the office a lot and don’t get much exercise. They stare at the computer all day and get very tense in their shoulders and lower back, and they do yoga to relax and feel more comfortable.” And while Hong acknowledges that Hong Kong people are very busy, “it’s still better to do yoga twice or three times a week. People will see great benefits.”

Yoga Limbs
This yoga studio has a special offer called “The Big Bang”—sign up at the beginning of the year and get one year of yoga for a discounted price of $2,888. 33/F, 69 Jervois St., Sheung Wan, 2525-7415, www.yogalimbs.com

Yoga Central
Sign up for a semester’s worth of lessons anytime between January and March and receive 14 90-minute classes—to be taken once a week—for a total of $1,600. 4/F, Kai Kwong House, 13 Wyndham St., Central, 2982-4308, www.yogacentral.com.hk

Amico Studio
This yoga and dance studio has several great offers. The first is a hot yoga class for $150, with a second session free, so long as you take it within seven days of your first class. It also offers free hip-hop and belly dancing classes, with a $250 membership fee waiver if you join the studio after your free session. 3/F, 167-169 Hennessy Rd., Wan Chai, 2827-9233, www.amico.com.hk

Fighting Fit
Office work making you want to lash out in a Fight Club–style fit of violent rage? Be thankful that you still have a job, maggot. But if you really want to release some pent-up tension, you might consider enrolling in a martial-arts class. Not only will you stay fit and healthy, but you will also learn self-defense skills. Sifu Cliff of Ving Tsun Martial Arts Institute emphasizes the practical benefits of the activity. “Martial arts are especially beneficial to small guys and small ladies, as their target is usually someone who is stronger than they are.” If that weren’t reason enough, Sifu Cliff adds that, “martial arts is a gift to people who want to be healthy,” as it works all kinds of muscles. He advises that people start out doing it twice a week, then build up their skills from there to reap the most reward.

Impakt Martial Arts Studio
This martial arts and kickboxing studio will be having an intensive weight-loss boot camp on January 5-9. The five days of diverse activities will start and end with a fitness test so that you can track your progress. The course costs $2,000 and is a great way to perk up your system after a month of booze and food. 20/F, 10 Pottinger St., Central, 2167-7218, www.impakt.hk

Lifestyle Fitness
Throughout the month of January, you can sign up for a free trial and get a 10 percent discount on a membership at this fitness center, which offers yoga, kickboxing and other activities. 2/F, 33 Sai Kung Tai St., Sai Kung, 2791-9220, www.lifestylefitness.com.hk

Wunique Thai-Boxing & Fitness
This Thai boxing studio is offering monthly memberships for unlimited Muay Thai classes for gents and ladies, from beginners to bad-asses, at $700 per month. 1/F, 30-32 Hillwood Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 2730-3991

Dance Your Way to Health
Taking up a few dance classes is a great way to get fit without really realizing that you’re working out, meaning it’s ideal for people whose concentration tends to wander if they’re stuck too long on a cross-trainer. It’s also highly sociable, and you get to learn a new skill, too. 

Herman Lam Dance Studio
Ideal for the consummate romantic. Throughout January, this well-known ballroom dancing studio is offering free tuition for every gentleman who chaperones his lady to class. 1/F, Kai Kwong House, 13 Wyndham St., Central, 2320 3605, www.hermanlamdance.com

Grupo Capoeira Brazil
This Brazilian martial arts–dance studio is proudly opening a new location in Prince Edward on January 2, and from January 5-24, you can join any drop-in class for just $60, or you can pay $450 for weeklong unlimited access to all of the classes. Unit 3, 12/F, Block B, Fuk Keung Industrial Building, 66-68 Tong Mi Rd., Prince Edward, 9197-4429, www.capoeira.hk

Pole Divas
If you’re already a member of this pole-dancing studio, bring a friend along next time you go to get a free class of your choice. If your friend decides to sign up, she’ll also receive 50 percent off her first class. Pole Divas is also offering special lap-dance classes for the run-up to Valentine’s Day. 6/F, Wai Hing Commercial Building, 17-19 Wing Wo St., Central, 2541-5157, www.poledivas-hk.com

Desperate Measures
Sometimes, you need results—and fast. Time to get the big guns out. Whether you need a personal trainer, a drill sergeant or a NASA-engineered vibrating machine to jiggle you to slimness, it’s all here.

Ross Eathorne Wellness
Reassess your fitness and overall well-being with this personal trainer, who’s offering individual and corporate packages for the New Year. 9833-7446, www.rosseathornewellness.com

Optimum Performance Studio
Optimum Performance Studio owns a stable of Power Plates, which use vibrations to help tone muscles and build fitness with “acceleration training.” It’s offering free 30-minute trial sessions throughout January. 2/F, World Trust Tower, 30 Stanley St., Central, 2868-5170, www.opstudiohk.com

Bootcamp
This extreme fitness program is held in 11 outdoor locations around Hong Kong Island, Kowloon and the New Territories—come rain or shine. Ultra-fit instructors put you and your fellow masochists through your paces with a series of results-driven exercises. The “new year, new you” package costs $1,200 for eight training sessions (45-75 minutes, depending on your fitness level) in Repulse Bay, Pok Fu Lam, Central, Clearwater Bay and The Peak. Buy before the end of January. 6186-4488, www.bootcamp.com.hk

Gear Up
What’s the fun in starting up a brand-new exercise regimen if you can’t get all the awesome fitness gear to go with it? Here’s where to stock up on all the stuff you need.

Asia Health Equipment
This sports store sells a full range of home gym equipment by Tunturi including cross-trainers, bikes, rowers, treadmills and massage sandals. 34 Leighton Rd., Causeway Bay, 155 Wong Nai Chung Rd., Happy Valley, 2573-3389

BioTrek
The perfect harmony for many Hong Kong women: yoga and fashion. As well as the latest yoga apparel, mats of various materials are available for sale. Room 902, 9/F, Harvest Building,
29-35 Wing Kut St., Central, 2744-5911, www.biotrek.com.hk

Energetiks
Although this Australian retailer carries clothing primarily for dancers, the practicality of the leotards and leggings are natural choices for yoga wear. Choice is abundant with everything from drawstring pants to crop tops. Scandi-Dan, 5/F, Room D, Winner Building, 27-39 D’Aguilar St., Central, 9155-0363, www.energetiks.com.au

Gigasports
Besides a wide range of sports clothing and equipment, Gigasports sells smaller home fitness equipment such as dumbbell sets, exercise balls and mats. Larger equipment such as treadmills, steppers and bikes can be ordered  and delivered free within three working days. Shop 124, Pacific Place, 88 Queensway, Admiralty,
2918-9088

Kettler
With products from China, Germany and Singapore, Kettler offers a large range of affordable fitness products for home use. The Sheung Wan branch has a spacious showroom with walking treadmills, running treadmills and stationary bikes. It also has a large selection of fitness accessories including yoga boards, balance cushions, jump ropes and hula hoops. 112-113 Connaught Rd., Central, Sheung Wan, 2851-2816, www.kettler.com.hk

Kung Fu Supplies
Head here for all kinds of kung fu, boxing and Muay Thai supplies, including uniforms and equipment. Among the items on sale are foam nunchaks and safety weapons for practice. They can also order any special equipment, books or DVDs that aren’t in stock. 6/F, Block A, 188-192 Johnston Rd., Wan Chai, 2891-1912, www.kungfu.com.hk

Life Fitness
Life Fitness has an extensive range of home exercise equipment. Choose from treadmills ($16,500-$150,000), stationary bikes ($4,800-33,000), elliptical cross trainers ($22,000-$75,000) and free weights that range from 1kg-40kg ($250-$2,000). It also offers foldable equipment for easy storage. Room 2610, Miramar Tower, 132 Nathan Rd., Tsim Sha Tsui, 2575-6262, hk.home.lifefitness.com

Oasis Fitness Engineering
Oasis Fitness Engineering provides fitness, vibration training and Pilates equipment. Also available are free weights, rubber flooring, exercise mats, balls and fitness testing equipment. It also carries a range of children’s play equipment as well as heart-rate monitors, DVDs and videos.

RC Outfitters
One of the city’s leading outdoor shops, RC Outfitters stocks shoes, clothing, gear and accessories for hiking, camping, climbing, kayaking, skiing and more from major US and European brands. Its two locations offer professional service and reasonable prices, and accept returns within 14 days. 5-6/F, Oriental House, 24-26 Argyle St., Mong Kok, 2390-0980   
1/F, Shinyam Commercial Building, 163 Johnston Rd., Wan Chai, 2390-0020, www.alink.com.hk

Rush
This swimwear and gymwear boutique sells hip outfits from brands such as Bonds and Seafolly. It also has a good range of Havaianas sandals and sunhats. G/F, Wyndham Mansion, Wyndham St., Central, 2526-0620
Visit www.rush.com.hk for full list of stores

Simply Yoga
This boutique sells international yoga brands imported from the US, Canada, Britain and Australia. Among the eight-plus brands in stock are ChiBi, Karma, Devi from Brazil and Skidless mats from Yogitoes. It has mats, accessories and posters, but best sellers are the stylish clothes in colorful, “breathable” fabrics that are popular as streetwear. 14 Lyndhurst Terrace, Central, 3154-9106, www.simplyyoga.com.hk

Soost
This medical and healthcare chain has a selection of German FitVibe equipment for vibration training. It carries a large selection of knee supports and ankle braces. Also available are various physiotherapy machines, devices and other sport injury aids. Room 1103, Loon Kee Building, 275 Des Voeux Rd. Central, Sheung Wan, 2543-0772, www.soost.com.hk

Technogym
Technogym offers a full range of gym equipment, including treadmills, bikes and weight machines. It also features kinesis equipment that can be used for up to 200 different exercises and takes up very little space in your home. Wellness balls, bags, weights and mats are also available. 18/F, Unit 2, 59 Connaught Rd., Central
3116-2625, www.technogym.com/hk

Yoga4Yogi
Check out this online yoga clothing store for all your yogic needs. It specializes in loose, comfortable and natural styles. Fabrics from cotton stretch and lycra to linen are available here, as are mats, jewelry, and gifts and accessories such as figurines, chanting boxes and temporary tattoos. 3184-0841, www.yoga4yogi.com