CLASSES : Adult education courses have something for everyone.

Since New Year’s resolutions aren’t the most dependable path to self-improvement, why not try adult education?

It doesn’t matter if the goal is staying in shape or learning how to make clothing or expanding one’s cultural horizons. There’s something for everyone in the various adult education classes scheduled to get under way this month in the South Bay.

“By taking a class, you develop a kind of kinship or bond with (other classmates),” said Michael Solomon, program director at Inglewood Family YMCA, which offers aerobics classes twice a week. “When everyone’s interests, goals and objectives are the same, it’s easier as a group to achieve those goals.”

Holiday binge eaters, for instance, can seek redemption through an array of local classes that promise to trim waistlines and improve cardiovascular fitness. Aerobics classes are always popular, but fitness enthusiasts may prefer staying in shape with classes in tennis or tap-dancing.

Those looking for ways to relax may opt instead for classes in yoga, sailing, crochet or quilting. Among the classes offered by Manhattan Beach’s Parks and Recreation Department, for instance, are mask-making, wilderness recreation and creative woodworking.

South Bay residents more concerned about exercising their mental muscles can also find the class for them. El Segundo’s Department of Recreation and Parks, for instance, is offering a class to seniors on converting home equity into cash. And Centinela Valley Adult School will teach students everything from English as a Second Language to total communication with the deaf.

Seniors who fear they may be too old to learn something new can gain confidence by enrolling in a mature driving class offered by Pacific Inn in Torrance. Graduates of the eight-hour program, which is designed to meet the special needs of senior drivers, can receive discounts on their automobile insurance, class sponsors say.

Adult schools and other groups offering classes that begin in January include:

* Centinela Valley Adult School, 14901 S. Inglewood Ave., Lawndale. (310) 970-7739.

* Inglewood Family YMCA, 319 East Kelso St., Inglewood, (310) 671-7615.

* The Joslyn Center, 339 Sheldon St., El Segundo, (310) 322-3842

* Pacific Inn, 5481 W. Torrance Blvd., Torrance, (310) 543-1174.

* South Bay Adult School; classes at Mira Costa High and Redondo Union High. For more information, call (310) 372-1213.

* Torrance Cultural Arts Center, 3330 Civic Center Drive, Torrance. To learn about class offerings and locations, call (310) 618-2930.