On the Topic of New Year's Resolutions

MSN Health has ten stationary gym machines you're better off avoiding in favor of more natural (but equally/more-effective) exercises.

Hmm... you mean exercise doesn't have to rip your joints apart? :-)

Having used them with trainers, I have to say that I don't miss the machines - the things that I learned with personal trainers, though, helped me recognize which muscles were working with which exercises, and how to isolate them. That helps me determine which home workouts are the most effective (at strength training).

My personal recommendation: TaeBo combined with Pilates or yoga of some (gentle) variety. You can do just about any exercise with free weights, an exercise ball, and a resistance band.