Top fitness classes in Sarasota

It takes two weeks to get into a new routine, four weeks to notice a difference, six weeks for clothes to fit better, eight weeks for your friends to notice a difference and twelve weeks to hit your stride. If your 2012 looked something like this scene from Spirited Away, then read on because I've got the best workout classes and accessories for you in this new year.

1) The UP Band from Jawbone  - This band knows when you are sleeping and it knows when you're awake, which makes it the Santa Claus of accessories. More fashionable than not, this mini computer rests on your arm and tracks your every step, exercise and sleep. Sync it to your smartphone to see beautiful graphs of calories burned and hours slept.  You're able to log your food intake and receive encouraging tips daily. It's sort of like "Kitt" for exercise. Click here to learn more.

2) Definition Fit - Def Fit found its stride in 2012. It's a membership-based gym that allows for a variety of group fitness and personal training. If you know Dave Wiener, then you know one of Def Fit's greatest success stories. Last year, Dave looked like this: And this year he looks like this hunk of calorie burning love. In fact, Dave was so successful with his progress that he decided to become a partner in Definition Fit. Now he teaches everyone how to do this: Definition Fit could probably receive the gold star for "friendliest staff" in all of Sarasota. The classes range for different skill levels. Check out their site here.

3) Yoga SRQ -  Have you ever laughed at people in yoga? Now you can without being a total jerk. This popular class probably won't get your body ripped, but it will put your mind in a dopamine-filled stated of utter happiness. It's "Laughter Yoga" and is based on the principle that your body has no clue if you are fake laughing or real laughing. The class is designed to make you start laughing to get happiness in your brain. Once you start, the laughing becomes contagious and the room is filled with happy effing people laughing their asses off, just because. Sounds fun, right? Well, it is. Check out the classes here, and while you're at it you can check out the other awesome yoga classes they offer.

4) Flying Yoga - For the adventure, this is my newest obsession. Seriously, there should be a law in Sarasota that everyone must take this class. Imagine the comfort of swinging from the trees by beautiful and colorful silks as you stretch and bend in ways you can't normally stretch without the silks' unique support. The classes are limited and it's hands-down the most interesting excercise the city is offering right now. Cara Levitt is taking it, and she's always on the forefront of the best group classes. You can check out their site, CircuSoul.com.

5) Book a vacation to Canyon Ranch Spa -  This is another current obsession of mine. It's close enough to drive and far enough away to get away. This spa is a mighty fine way to kick-start the new year and get on the path to a "new you" in what I think could be the healthiest resort in Florida. There are endless fitness classes, clean cuisine, an amazing spa and state-of-the-art exercise equipment. Pick your dates here or call Admiral Travel.