March 28, 2024

Local gyms want to turn New Year’s resolutions into success stories

It’s no secret gyms often see an influx of members at the turn of a new year.

This year, Southern Prairie YMCA in Creston offers four different programs for those members who want to set a health- and fitness-related New Year’s resolution. CrossFit TYL in Creston also offers something for those wanting to improve their health.

The Y is bringing back its Boot Camp beginning today. Sessions are 5:30-6:30 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Thursdays until Jan. 30.

After a successful summer Boot Camp program, Southern Prairie YMCA Sports and Healthy Living Coordinator Emi O’Neall said she wanted to do one in the winter.

Everything will be inside the gym. Activities will include circuits, tabata and a tire night again.

“I always think this is a good program for someone who doesn’t have the motivation to start because we’ll help you get that,” O’Neall said. “Once you get it, it’s really easy to get going. Also, we’ll give you different stages. If you can’t do the regular workout, we’ll stage it down for you so everyone can get a good workout.”

The Y also offers Jump Start Jam from 8 a.m. to noon Saturday, allowing anyone to try out the different classes offered at the Y for free. Classes will be broken up into 10- to 15-minute segments.

The 4 Weeks to a Healthier You class runs every Tuesday in January from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m.

“We have Dr. Tom Young, Ginny Lints, the dietitian from Greater Regional, and Lauren Spranger go over health factors of chronic disease just to get you started off on the right foot for the year,” O’Neall said. “The classes include a hardcover journal and a month pass to the Y if you complete the four weeks.”

The Y has also brought back its smartest loser challenge, which is free to anyone. The challenge runs until March 6, with the person losing the most pounds in the 10 weeks receiving a trophy.

At CrossFit TYL, new members can attend classes for the month of January for $20.17. The gym is also bringing back its nutrition challenge, which includes a month of unlimited crossfit classes and the Whole30 nutrition challenge for $40.

“They get access to our private Facebook support group, and then lots of recipes and a packet that gives them detailed instruction on how to succeed with this nutrition program,” CrossFit TYL Owner Chris Doster said. “Basically, they’re getting everything they need to become the healthiest version of themselves or take a step toward that in the month of January.”

Staying committed

Often, one of the biggest issues with New Year’s resolutions is staying committed to that goal.

Doster said adding accountability to a plan is one of the biggest keys to staying committed.

“That means hopefully having a partner, ... have somebody who is going to do it with you,” Doster said. “It’s too easy to talk ourselves out of going to the gym on a cold morning. At least tell people that care about you what you plan to do and ask them to hold you accountable. It’s pretty easy to fall off and act like it never happened.”

Doster noted the CrossFit TYL gym adds accountability right away with coaches and other members forming a family that checks in on people.

Classes at the Y act in the same manner.

“I always think the beginning of the year is the most important because people want to start off on the right foot for the new year, so if you come pick a class to try, we can help you get started and you can keep it up throughout the year,” O’Neall said. “Once you get in the classes, it becomes more like a family, and it’s really easy to come to the classes once you’re started. They help you stay active and keep going throughout the year.”