Resolved to keeping up with keeping fit?

If, like me, you find it hard to galvanise yourself into hitting the usual gym like road running exertions to get fit and are searching for something a little more unusual, gentle or sociable, why not check out these alternative options?

The new big thing, which does have a capacity to divide opinion, is pole dancing! Personally, I don't think I have the arms for it but reports are it's a fantastic way to tone and strengthen your body, giving an all over workout. And it's not like you're doing it in the middle of a busy nightclub - it's very much a workout environment; you can wear leggings and stuff, thongs aren't compulsory! We have our very own pole dance training in Rochester, so to find out more and dispel any pre-conceived ideas, give Tabitha a call at Bewitched.

For busy mums with youngsters still in buggies, Buggy Fit is something I wished I'd found when mine were little - such a simple idea, so brilliantly executed - no offloading baby of to nanny, take him/her with you and enjoy some quality fun time together, while meeting other new mums and staying active. Michelle is our local Buggy Fit champion and runs a class in Rochester Castle Gardens on a Monday morning. Avoid those post-natal blues and let baby start off with a ready made social circle!

Dancing, thanks to the BBC's Strictly Come Dancing, has taken a resounding leap forward in helping people re-energise their lives. If party sandals rather than trainers are your preferred fitness footwear, there are plenty of opportunities in Rochester and Medway to strut your funky stuff and get that groove thang a-shaking! Starquest and Spotlites are two companies specialising in more theatrical dance and performance, for adults and children alike, with many classes running all year round. Mix some fun with your keeping fit, especially where the kids are concerned, who may be inclined to spend the winter months curled up on the sofa, in front of the tv with a handset or controller of some sort or another!

Last year's keep fit dance craze, Zumba, has exploded and again, we've local experts to guide you through to tip top shape, such as Gemma Quinnell, who runs various classes at Dance Junction and elsewhere.

Maybe you want to take on the challenge of something a lot more extreme - how about rowing the Thames? Richard via Twitter @thamesworkboats invites you to row from Rochester Castle to the Tower of London! Are you up for it? Get in touch with him if you are!

Also on Twitter, @mummyhoad1 Pam Hoad says: "Virgin Active Health Club is the place to be. Just had a £500k refurb." Thanks Pam! However, @medwayebp gave us a diet tip instead,saying: "Our CEO Toni has just given us a diet tip: Keep all your food under a lion! haha!" Lol, that should do it! 

So you've sorted out your way to fitness and now you need to buff up - nestled in Rochester High Street between Don Vincenzo and the City Wall, you'll find 118 Beauty - they can do the pampering or they can teach you to do it yourself! Either way, they'll point you in the right direction to cultivate some good habits!