BOSTON -- It's time to think about being a stronger you and looking at some of the options currently available when rounding out your complete fitness program to make the best choices for you.

In the past few years, more and more women have found their way into the weight room, realizing the importance of strengthening their muscles and bones. Although weight room machines are still very popular, the trend is moving toward more variety, including free weights, cables, and a mixture of props, including stability balls, core boards, medicine balls, slide boards, etc.

To meet strength, flexibility and balance training needs, the options exist to work out alone, with a workout partner, a personal trainer, or in a group. Working out in the weight room can be an individual workout, but also very popular are small “personal training” groups that work with a personal trainer. In this case, two, three, or four people share the time and cost. The option is also always there for you to do your own “free weight” program at home using videos, DVDs, or your own exercise choices.

Pilates is one of the most popular of the class choices around the country, and includes strength, flexibility and balance training. There are also many facilities that offer Pilates on an individual basis using specific Pilates equipment. Circuit training, sculpting/muscle conditioning classes, and CORE classes that work on the stabilization and strength of the middle part of the body (front AND back), are also very popular. Then of course there are classes that focus on specific body parts (the “Bottom Line”, “For Your ABS Only”, “Arms and Arms,” etc.). These are still popular with folks that want to maximize their time on the one area of their body that is their main concern.

The opportunities to work on your flexibility (ranges of motion) and balance usually bring to mind Yoga and stretch classes. Yoga can be as varied as the facility and/or the instructor. There’s Ashtanga Yoga, Bikram Yoga, Hatha Yoga, Power Yoga, Vini Yoga, and even Disco Yoga, to name a few. The use of light weights in class settings are also showing up everywhere from yoga, to the pool, to the aerobic room.

Stretch classes, Tai’chi, meditation and relaxation classes can all meet the needs of the individual looking to enhance his or her flexibility and balance, and help complete the fitness picture.

So, as you can see, the choices are there - lots of equipment, many classes and individual workouts are available. The determining factor is really your own personal preference, as well as identifying your fitness needs and goals. Explore, try new things, and find out what’s best for you!