Gym

LAYTON -- With the marks of carrying five kids and the lines of 44 years of age on her body, Brenda Ward wasn't sure she wanted to wear a bikini in front of judges and spectators. But she'd seen the changes in herself since getting fit with a personal trainer and wondered about the possibilities.

But it wasn't until one of her five kids, Brady Ward, agreed to sign up for a bodybuilding competition with her that the Top of Utah woman decided that competing in the figure portion of the National Physique Committee Utah Open and Ironman Natural Bodybuilding Figure Bikini Physique Championships could be a reality.

"I've kind of always wanted to do a competition but never had the courage," said Brenda, who works at the front desk of the Ogden Athletic Club. "This year I was chatting with my family saying I wanted to try for this competition, so my son said, 'I'll do it with you if you want to do it.' "

If, in New Years past, a steadfast resolution to get your butt to the gym has resulted in your butt remaining steadfastly planted on your couch, it may be time to introduce your butt to hyperbolic discounting.

Hyperbolic discounting is not a fitness trend or diet plan or mail-order device that systematically smoothes cellulite while you sleep.

It's an economic principle.