April 19, 2024

The art of keeping fitness resolutions

By DENISE CASKEY

Kyle Wilson of Creston does a medicine ball ab routine during a circuit workout earlier this month in the P45 class taught by Lauren Spranger in the YMCA gymnasium. P45 is offered 5:30-6:15 p.m. Mondays and Wednesdays. Many gyms will see an increase in participants in the coming weeks as people start New Year's resolutions. (CNA photo)

A quick search of the internet shows that losing weight and getting fit is the number one resolution people make on Jan.1, and only about 8 percent will achieve their goal.

New Year’s specials

Southern Prairie YMCA, Hanson Fitness and CrossFit TYL in Creston are offering special incentives through the month of January to get people started on the road toward meeting their New Year’s fitness goals.

Resolution Solution is a free event hosted by Southern Prairie YMCA from 4 to 6 p.m. Jan. 3. This event is an opportunity to meet the fitness instructors and ask questions about classes held at the YMCA. The $45 “join” fee will be waived for new members during the event.

The event also includes healthy snacks and recipes from Greater Regional Medical Center dietitian Ginny Lents, as well as tours of the facility. Staff will be available to schedule goal setting, personal training and weight room orientation sessions.

The YMCA is also offering a class called “Four Weeks to a Healthier You” for people showing early risk factors for health-related illnesses. The class is four weeks long and begins on Jan. 2. The class is $25 for the entire four-week session and includes a hardbound journal and one- month pass to the YMCA.

The class is taught in conjunction with Greater Regional Medical Center and Southwestern Community College Adult and Continuing Education.

“If you’re really not sure how to begin the wellness journey, this would be an excellent way to get started and learn from professionals in the field,” said Raquel Linch, office manager at the YMCA.

Hanson Fitness is also waiving “join” fees through the month of January, as well as $25 off monthly personal trainer packages during the first week of January.

CrossFit TYL is offering a “Name your price” special for the month of January. In mid-January they are offering a fundamentals class for new members who would like to learn the basics of CrossFit before jumping into the regular classes.

CrossFit personal trainer Chris Doster mentioned that CrossFit has four new trainers and the new year would be a good time stop in and welcome them. The new trainers are Jessica Harris, Gabe Carroll, Wayne Pantini and Cody Lamb.

Accountability and consistency

Achieving fitness goals requires accountability and consistency, according to most experts.

“Have a partner,” Linch said. “That’s a huge one, I think. Whether it’s a workout buddy or taking a fitness class, because I think you’re more accountable if you have a buddy.”

“One thing I always say is join with someone else if you can. Have an accountabili-buddy,” said Doster. “It’s so much easier on those cold mornings when you don’t want to get out of bed or after work and you would just rather go home. If you have someone that’s doing it with you, it’s gonna be a lot more likely that you’ll stick to it.”

Tyler Hanson, co-owner of Hanson Fitness, suggests consistency is the key to achieving health goals.

“A lot of people like to quit if they fall off [their diet]. Just start back up the next day. Just keep going. You don’t have to do everything 100 percent,” Hanson said.

Tips from the experts

By breaking down large goals into smaller, more manageable mini-goals, people have a better chance as succeeding, Linch said.

“Also, choose a facility, like the Y, that focuses on wellness overall, like increasing activity but that also encourages healthy habits,” she said.

“They need to have a ‘Why?’” Doster said. “Why do they want to get in shape?

“There are so many benefits that people don’t necessarily think of when they think about exercise. The true benefits are how we feel about ourself,” Doster said.