What’s the #1 New Year’s Resolution? Getting in shape! Yesterday I spoke on ABC News Now about tips for buying a gym membership so you can lose weight without losing your shirt. Here’s a clip of the segment and a recap of the tips below.

• Try before you buy. Major chains like LA Fitness, Gold’s, 24 Hour Fitness offer one- or two-week trial passes; even if it’s not advertised, ask for one–and sometimes, they’ll match competitor’s trial offers. (Sidenote: Even with major chains, individual locations might owned by franchisees so there’s more room to negotiate than you might think!). You can get crafty by “trying” 3-4 places over the next month and pay nothing till February.
• Know what you’re looking for. You’re more likely to go to a gym that fits your lifestyle and personality. First, don’t choose someplace that’s more than 10 min from your house or office– you won’t go! Think about: Do you need someplace w multiple locations? Childcare? A great pool? Also, test a gym during the hours you’ll actually go. Ask in-the-know friends/colleagues what the “vibe” is like at certain area gyms (where’s the great “singles” gym?). Take a few classes to evaluate if the teachers are up to par. These are lifestyle factors to consider when gym shopping.
• Take advantage of promos. Ask about special promotions, but first check your employee benefits because a big way to save is through corporate and group rates that aren’t always advertised. Existing members should look into whether their gym offers a refer-a-friend program, which can shave $10 or more off monthly dues, or get you a free personal training session/free month. (And if they don’t offer one, try to negotiate it!) Also, family or married couple discounts are easy ways to shave hundreds of dollars off gym fees — and get initiation fees waived.
• Don’t get locked in. This is how most people lose their money: you get the lowest “monthly rate” by pre-paying for a year or more. Don’t do it! Always choose month-to-month memberships—with, say, a 30-day cancellation policy. Nothing is a bargain if you don’t show up.
• Get a special deal online. You may have the best of intentions, but statistically most “resolution” folks quit by March! So, set yourself up for success by signing up for a month-long boot camp or short-term deal on sites like groupon.com and halfoffdepot.com. My gym, for example, was just on halfoffdepot.com the other day offering for $45 one month of gym usage plus 4 personal training sessions (usual cost: $330)! Often there are major deals for limited-term gym memberships, or a finite number of pilates/yoga/dance classes—which is just what most people need to get a jump start on healthy living–without committing major bucks.

Dear GGG, Can you clear up a holiday tipping rule? I’ve heard so many different things when it comes to hairdressers. Someone told me it’s the cost of one visit– but my highlights are $150– and if I tipped that much, I’d have almost no tipping budget left for anyone else this year! I’ve also heard that you’re supposed to take the cost of a blow-dry and double it. And what if your stylist actually owns the salon? Does the tradition still hold that you’re not supposed to tip the owner? Thanks! — Jane*, 36, Ft. Lauderdale

Hi Jane!

Few etiquette rules are as awkward as holiday tipping– and the hair stylist is at the top of the list. While some old-school experts still adhere to the “cost of an entire visit,” this measure is very confusing depending on what type of service you get (color vs. cut vs. regular blowdries). In practice, the custom is much more relaxed nowadays, especially given the economy. New rule: up your normal tip on your pre-holiday visit to about 50% from your normal 15 or 20%.  And while cash is king (!), many stylists told me that it’s common practice for clients to go for a more traditional gift such as a bottle of wine or gift card. About not tipping the owner, that’s also seems to be a rule that’s fallen by the wayside. Nowadays, if the owner is your regular stylist, go ahead and tip him or her!

For more info on whom to tip what this holiday season, check out some segments I did for ABC News and Good Day Atlanta on the topic.

Dear GGG, I recently lost my job and my finances are really tight. Every time I get asked out on a date, I decline or make excuses because I can’t afford to go out! I guess I’m the type of girl who likes to pay for the popcorn when the guy pays for the movie tickets. What should I do? How can you date when you’re broke?! — Marla*, age 27, Tampa

Dear Marla, I’m so sorry to hear you lost your job. I’ll be honest: my thoughts on dating tend toward the traditional. I think the guy should pay, at least on the first handful of dates. Even if the date is inexpensive, it’s a gesture that is more about the romance (and, I’ll add that if a guy really likes you, he’ll insist on paying even if he had to borrow money to try and impress you. Ever read the book The Rules? I’m a big fan…)

This is not to say that you should show up to the date unprepared in the event that he isn’t planning to pay; we’re financially independent after all. One friend of mine refers to the “obligatory reach for the wallet” when the check comes; he’ll likely stop you before you actually take out a card! Which brings us to your dilemma. You deserve to go out and have some fun (plus, it’s never good for the self-esteem and job-hunting confidence to stay cooped up like a prisoner in your house). Ideally, I would put aside an “emergency date fund”, maybe $50-$75 so that you know you have some mad money if you’re on a first date and the guy unexpectedly asks you to go dutch. Another option is to be completely upfront about your situation when he asks you out. Say something like, “I’d love to, but my budget is really tight these days.” Definitely do NOT ask him to pay, mention money, or seem like you’re just trying to get a free meal. But you’ll see his reaction. Most guys that are really interested in you will say immediately that the date will be ‘their treat.’ Or, they will plan something unique that doesn’t cost any money. If the guy makes a big fuss one way or another, he’s probably not worth dating anyway.  On to the NEXT!!!!

Dear GGG, How high is too high of a heel for a law office? I have a pair of sky-high chunky platforms that I’m dying to wear, but I’m not sure if they’re too over-the-top. And what about if I’m going to court? — Paula*, age 34, Chicago

Hi Paula! When it comes to office attire, you can follow the same maxim for good writing: When it doubt, cut it out! I’m all for self-expression, and shoes are one of the best sartorial ways us gals get to do that at work. But if it feels more like a date-night shoe rather than a conference room shoe, it probably is. A four-inch height stiletto (plus, maybe, a 1/2 inch platform like the Nine West pump at left) is probably your max, with a slightly lower, thicker heel best for court. Definitely don’t wear shoes to work that could verge on, well, stripper heels. What exactly constitutes a stripper heel?! You know it when you see it. It’s a combination of shoe material (perhaps patent, Lucite, or anything shiny), heel height and thickness (about 5 inches by 1 inch), and platform (at least ½ an inch).

Have a question for GGG? Email debra@thegogettergirls.com!

Photo: Nordstrom

Dear GGG, I work in a big corporation and know I need to be doing more informational meetings with senior staffers to raise my profile. But I’m not sure what I’m actually supposed to ask when I meet with someone. How do I appear like I have my act together and am genuine– even if I really don’t have anything profound to ask? — Selena*, age 24, Tuscon

Hi Selena! First, try to schedule meetings only with folks that you are actually interested in learning more about! Second, you’re right: you have to come to the table with something specific, and the farther along you are in your career, the more specific that purpose needs to be. You don’t want to be wasting their time– whether it’s a 10 minute chat over coffee or an hour-long lunch. If you’re the one who requested the meeting, understand that the other person doesn’t view it as a “Let’s get to know each other and chat” meeting. They perceive you’re coming to them for specific advice or guidance or help. So you need to come up with a mini-mission for the meeting– and if you don’t feel inspired, make one up! Spend some time researching the interviewee’s background on the company website/Google– and come up with the key theme you want to learn more about. For example: How did this person arrive in their position? How did getting that MBA/JD/Masters help them advance? How did they spearhead a particular initiative that you think is really cool? Here’s the setup: “I’ve really admired how you’ve done X, and I really wanted to learn more about your experiences” or “I’m wondering if you have any advice on how I can do X, too.” (For more general suggestions on other questions to ask during the meeting, check out this post).

Sidenote, the main purpose shouldn’t be, “Can you give me 5 contacts to help me accomplish X?” or “Do you know of any openings in Y?” You can ask those questions at the end of the meeting if the context feels right, but the main point of the meeting is to gain information and learn about the interviewee’s experience and perspective. You also need to be prepared that the interviewee will ask you what it is you want to do, and you need to have an answer– even if you blurt out that your goal is to get promoted to the next rung on the ladder by the end of the year. But be prepared.  The more specific your goal, the more likely the interviewee will offer key contacts and help open doors. I’ve walked into meetings where the first question from the interviewee is “So, what can I do to help you?” and it was clear they meant they were willing to make introductions and phone calls on my behalf– not just share advice.