According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, less than 5% of adults participate in 30 minutes of physical activity each day and only one in three adults receive the recommended amount each week.

In this day and age with iPhones, laptops and TVs taking up a majority of our free time, it’s important to remember our bodies need to enhance and maintain our overall fitness, health and wellness.

Mid- and South County has all kinds of different options for anybody’s busy lifestyle, body type and workout of choice, leaving no room for excuses.

Today, Nederland will cut the ribbon on a new gym — Fit Body Boot Camp. Located at 401 S. Memorial Freeway, it provides an intense 30-minute workout.

Each session combines high-intensity interval training with active rest training and the use of little to no equipment. This style of workout best suits someone with a busy lifestyle looking for a quick but effective daily weight loss routine.

Also recently added to the city of Nederland is Jazzercise, which cut the ribbon on its newest location, 1512 Nederland Ave., in September. Jazzercise offers group fitness classes incorporating cardio dance moves with strength training for a full-body workout.

Jazzercise classes often last about an hour and are perfect for those who want to add some fun into their daily workout.

A powerhouse gym that calls Nederland home includes CrossFit Mid-County, 1111 Canal Avenue, which combines a wide variety of functional movements into a timed or scored workout. CrossFit includes weightlifting, gymnastics, running, pull-ups and more. It’s best suited for anyone looking to really commit to building muscle, stamina or weight loss.

Traditional gyms for those wanting to make their own routines and set their own pace include Planet Fitness in Groves, Powerhouse Gym in Port Neches and Exygon Health and Fitness Club in Nederland.

If you are looking for something to channel health and wellness while learning self-defense, check out local boxing and martial art gyms in the area.

Titans Boxing Gym, 3015-3037 25th St., in Port Arthur, teaches adults and children how to defend themselves, build muscle and skill and how to compete in a ring.

Tiger Rock Martial Arts, 1427 US-69, in Nederland, employs the special skillset of mixed martial arts, including Taekwondo training, self-defense classes and anti-bullying education while focusing on core strength, quick feet and conditioning.

Oranday Bros Jiu Jitsu, 1915 Magnolia Ave. in Port Neches teaches the self-defense training while providing physical and mental strength through daily workouts.

So, whether you are looking to get in shape, lose weight, gain strength or learn self-defense there are gyms all across Mid- and South County ready to help you reach your goals in a way that makes you feel comfortable and fit your lifestyle.

Regular exercise is key to preventing heart disease, lowering obesity, decreasing diabetes and maintaining a healthy body. Exercise is an important part of everyday life and everyone should participate in one way or another, so put the phone down and get started.

Cassandra Jenkins is a news reporter with The Port Arthur News. Contact her at cassie.jenkins@panews.com.