The new gyms making working out affordable again.

There's nothing like waking up on a cold January morning and wondering why your gym's debited an extra tenner out of your bank account. Especially when you're still in bed pondering whether Christmas pudding counts as breakfast.

Welcome to 2011, a world of ever-increasing gas prices, tax hikes, rent booms and previously unspecified charges, as well as gyms proving the brawn's not quite caught up with the brain on the 2.5% maths with their 'VAT inflated' prices.

Luckily the New Year also promises fresh options that won't tie you into contracts so long you'll still be pounding the treadmill on your Zimmer frame. Taking a leaf out of the mobile phone's top-up book, PayasUgym launches on the 21st with an innovative 'pay as you go' system. Buy your gym credits online, book a gym with a cheap day e-pass from a selection of health clubs, flash reception your mobile entry and off you go. Registration is free, you can search via location and facilities, and you won't be hanging around long enough for any looming PTs to question your workout ethic.

But if you prefer to stick to a single club, there's always the Stelios option. Always on the lookout to make life less complicated, the Easy empire plans to expand this Spring with the opening of easyGym. An orange enclave of no-frills fitness, memberships are said to start at £15 per month with no year-long contract to tie you in. Whether they'll charge you extra to bring in your gym bag (or weigh it on entry), remains to be seen.

Info
PayasUgym launches 21st January,
EasyGym is 'Coming Soon' in 2011.

Win tickets to see biting new comedy 'Becky Shaw' at the Almeida Theatre.

Feeling hopeless about your love life? Or are you facing January with renewed dating vigour? Take inspiration from the Almeida's new show, where from the moment Becky arrives overdressed for her blind date with straight-talking Max, it's clear the evening won't go to plan. In the immediate fallout, Becky becomes an object of devotion for her boss Andrew, who appears to have a fetish for vulnerable women. In turn Andrew's wife Suzanna turns to her step-brother Max for comfort, and their mutual desire begins to resurface.

To be in with a chance of winning a pair of tickets email us at competition@urbanjunkies.com. Tickets are valid for 13 Jan - 29 Jan (excluding 20 Jan) and strictly subject to availability. Promoter reserves right to substitute prize for that of equal or greater value if necessary.

To book tickets, call the Box Office on 020 7359 4404 or visit www.almeida.co.uk

SHOP – Last day of the sale with up to 70% off at Dover Street Market. Ends today 6.30pm, 17-18 Dover Street, London, W1S 4LT. Free.

SEE – the next collection of works by the impeccable Cindy Sherman, Tomorrow, Sprueth Magers gallery, 7a Grafton Street, W1S 7EH. Free.

NEW – Don't eat your junk food, wear it: Ashish at TopShop. 10am-7pm, TopShop, 214 Oxford Street, WC1 1DA. £40-£60.

EAT – from the new tasty breakfast menu, now served at Rosie's Deli Cafe. 7:30am-9:30pm, 14e Market Row, SW9 8LD. From £1.50-£5.