Ask A Local Trainer: The Best Ways To Get Fit In OC

It's no surprise that once the tinsel and lights come down in the new year, memberships to gyms increase dramatically as people attempt to work off those extra holiday pounds. As many fitness gurus will tell you, getting fit isn't just about joining a gym, it's about changing your lifestyle. These five lifestyle tips from Sarah Beckx, a personal trainer in Orange County, will show you how easy it is to get in shape.

As a personal trainer for LA Fitness, Sarah Beckx is constantly on the move. This 25 year old said she believes if you can keep moving throughout your day, you're winning the fitness battle. Born and raised in South Orange County, Beckx subscribes to a fit lifestyle of will power and discipline. She cuts out salts and oils from her diet and tries not to eat or snack before bed.

Related: 5 Top Gyms In Orange County

Sprouts Farmer's Market
3775 Alton Parkway
Irvine, CA 92606
(949) 705-5435
www.sprouts.com

Don't eat out if you can help it. Fast food and restaurant meals are packed full of salt, fat and calories. Instead, shop for groceries at local farmers' markets and neighborhood grocery stores such as Sprouts and Trader Joe's. You can watch your portions and what you put into your meals. If you have to eat out, choose fish and vegetables. Beckx also recommends drinking tons of water because restaurants tend to over-salt their products.

Laguna Canyon Wilderness Park
18751 Laguna Canyon Road
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
(949) 923-2235
www.ocparks.com

Beckx recommends a good hike because being outdoors in the sunshine is good for your health and good for your soul. She recommends hiking in Laguna Canyon Wilderness Park near Laguna Beach where you can feel the ocean breeze and there are plenty of park rangers onsite to provide maps and answer questions. She added that there hasn't been a mountain lion sighting in more than 10 years, which is a plus for nervous urbanites.

Newport Beach Back Bay
1 Whitecliffs Drive
Newport Beach, CA 92660
(949) 646-7725
www.newportaquaticcenter.com

For those who want to keep both feet at sea level, Beckx recommends going on a run or slow jog around the Newport Beach Back Bay. Enjoy wild bird sightings and the smell of the ocean as you take a loop around this beautiful nature preserve. A paved road around the bay also makes it ideal for a pleasant bike ride. No matter which activity you choose, don't forget the sunscreen.

YogaWorks Studio
301 Main St.
Huntington Beach, CA 92648
(714) 960-9740
www.yogaworks.com

With five locations in Orange County, there's no excuse not to try out this yoga studio, which focuses on toning muscles and strengthening your core. YogaWorks maintains a high standard for its instructors and offers a positive and welcoming environment for yoga novices and experts alike. Feel good about your instructors and feel good about your workout at a studio frequented by fitness experts.

Related: Best CrossFit Studios In Orange County

A fitness plan just wouldn't be complete without a gym membership. For those rainy days or late nights at the office, having a back-up plan for working out will keep you motivated. Beckx recommends consistency and determination when it comes to staying fit. By maintaining a membership at a local gym, trainers and equipment are always within reach for a routine fitness regimen.

Truc Dever is a freelance writer covering all things Orange County. Her work can be found on Examiner.com.