Problem: Article: The refrigerator’s dark, temperature-regulated conditions make it the perfect means of preserving freshly-opened flaxseed. Inside, the grains will be protected from heat and light, both of which can cause them to spoil prematurely. Best of all, almost any type of storage container can easily go into the fridge, provided it’s the right size.  Whenever possible, the refrigerator should be your first choice for putting away flaxseed. Refrigerated flaxseed has the potential to last 6 whole months longer than flaxseed stored at room temperature. If refrigerator space is limited, just look a few feet higher. Stashing your flaxseed in the freezer is a wise move if you know you’re not going to get around to using it for a while, or you prefer to buy it in bulk. It will stay good for a year or longer past its listed expiration date, since the surrounding temperature is so low. There’s no need to thaw frozen flaxseed prior to grinding it or adding it to food. Hold off on processing your whole flaxseed until you’re ready to sprinkle some into a green smoothie or bowl or oats. Then, measure out the desired amount and return the rest to the pantry or refrigerator. It may be a little tedious, but it will greatly increase the lifespan of your supply. Freezing ground flaxseed may keep it fresh for as long as 3 months. Even so, the sooner you put it to use, the better. Anytime you’re grinding flaxseed, add it to your food or transfer it to its intended storage container without delay. The longer it remains out, the more likely it is to take on moisture. Even relatively dry air can kick off oxidation and lead to spoilage.  Avoid grinding or opening a container of ground flaxseed in a steamy kitchen. Always reseal your storage container and return it to the refrigerator or freezer as soon as you’re finished portioning. When flaxseed spoils, the fatty acids deteriorate, causing it to take on a rancid odor. Open up the container and give the flaxseed a whiff to make sure it’s okay to eat. If it smells questionable, it’s probably best to throw it away and spring for a new batch.  By contrast, fresh flaxseed will have a mild, nutty scent. Consuming spoiled flaxseed isn’t dangerous, but it may have an unpleasant taste or cause minor digestive issues.
Summary: Refrigerate your flaxseed for up to a year. Freeze unused flaxseed to extend its shelf life to over a year. Grind only as much as you plan on using right away. Protect ground flaxseed from prolonged exposure. Check the freshness of your flaxseed before using it.

In one sentence, describe what the following article is about: A gym’s main benefit is convenience: it has cardio machines, weight machines, and free weights (among other equipment) all in 1 place. If your main exercise goals are to improve your heart rate, lose weight, or bulk up on muscle, a gym is the best place to start.  Don’t worry about feeling intimidated by other gym members, either. Most people at gyms are supportive of one another, and mind their own business. Average gym membership costs can range from $20-45 USD per month. If that’s more than you can afford, try looking around for a discount gym in your area. Discount gyms may have fewer machines and weights, but can cost as little as $10 USD per month. Yoga is a great add-on exercise to a cardio routine, and it is very relaxing. Look into yoga if you’d like a calming, centering experience that also stretches and builds tone in your muscles. Many YouTube channels offer yoga guidance. You can also look into taking a yoga class at a nearby gym. Being around a group of other people who are doing the same exercise routine as you are can be fun. You’ll be motivated to keep up with everybody else in the group, and can make some friends among your classmates. Taking classes is also a great way to figure out which type of exercise you enjoy most and would like to pursue further. Most gyms and workout facilities offer classes at all different skill levels. If you’re just starting a new type of exercise—e.g., a spin class or yoga class—check out the beginner-level course. A trainer can familiarize you with the gym, show you how equipment works, and answer any exercise-related questions you may have. Even if you don’t plan to work with a personal trainer long-term, having 2 or 3 sessions with a trainer can be a great way to learn about different types of exercise and find one that you enjoy.  Depending on the gym you’re a member at, you may be entitled to a free session with a personal trainer just for signing up. Once the free sessions have expired, you’ll be looking at an average cost of $80-125 USD per session to work with the trainers. If you’d like a less-expensive option, see if trainers at the gym offer group-training sessions.  You can also hire a private personal trainer to come to your home, but this is a much more expensive option. If you don’t have the time or money to purchase a gym membership, you can easily find ways to work out at your own home. You can purchase a few small weights and do simple exercises while lying on your bed. Or, carry a heavy object around with you while you’re going about your day. You can purchase barbells or dumbbells at a local sport-supply store. If you’re more inclined towards cardio, purchase a jump rope and jump for 15–20 minutes a day. Nobody starts out curling 85 pounds (39 kg) or bench pressing 200 pounds (91 kg). Begin your weight training with simple, reliable workouts that effectively build muscle. Start doing 4 to 8 different exercises, making sure to work out different muscle groups. Don't go for heavy weight when you start—it's better to lift lighter and maintain the right form. Good weight lifts include:   Squats, lunges, deadlifts, and step-ups for the lower body.  Push-ups, pull-ups, rowing, and free weights for the upper body. Planks and sit-ups for your core muscles. Take steps to avoid sore muscles if it becomes a problem. If you have a smartphone or tablet, download 1 or 2 fitness tracker apps to log your progress and monitor weekly improvements. Using an app can help motivate you to work out regularly, by allowing you to track calories, steps, sleep cycles, and other elements related to exercise and health. Try out apps like:  MyFitnessPal, which allows you to track calories in the food you eat and features a step counter. Sworkit, which provides exercise videos that show you how to perform over 200 types of workout. MapMyRun, which will present you with multiple route options in your area based on how far and long you want to run for. It’s easy to get burned out on exercise if you’re doing it alone. To prevent this fatigue, find a friend who wants to start an exercise program too. Ask if they’d like to join you on your bi-weekly trips to the gym, or a daily jog. Having a friend or 2 around to work out with will help keep you accountable and ensure that you stick to your exercise schedule. If you have a friend who already regularly works out, ask if you can join in on their schedule.
Summary:
Join a gym if you like a mix of strength and cardio. Try yoga if you’re looking for a low-impact exercise. Take group classes for extra motivation. Work with a personal trainer if you want more individual attention. Work out at home if you have time or financial constraints. Focus on the basics of weight training. Use a fitness app to track your progress. Find a workout buddy for accountability.