SALISBURY — After last weeks “Have a Heart” column I believe this is a good follow up.
I hope to give you some tips to help you set your New Years resolutions.
Typically they say when you change your lifestyle for three months it has become a “habit” but the highest drop out rate is between three and six months. So when you have changed your lifestyle for six months you are a success. Out of experience, I have found out that if I can keep our “New Year’s resolution” members committed for at least three months many of you actually stick with it. Each year I try to come up with a new “magic potion” to help you become successful in changing to a healthy, happy lifestyle. This upcoming year’s program is called “60 Days to a Better You.” I take things that worked from previous years and add things I hope will help you to succeed. And, eventually have the perfect balance and tools for whatever your goals may be. It runs from Jan. 7 through March 25. It is $30 for members and $160 for non-members (includes three month membership) of course other places like Weight watchers (we have a group inside our YMCA) and other health and fitness places have specials going on to get you on the right track and help you keep your New Year’s resolution. One other important part of keeping your New Years resolution ­– are you ready? Believe that you CAN do it! Put your heart into it. Too many people set resolutions expecting to fail. That is not how we want to start 2013. Let that be one of your goals.
Here are some tips to help you keep your goals:
– Join a program that will help and assist you to keep your goal you have set for yourself.
– Make sure your goals are reachable. Too many people set their goals to high or just have too many goals to keep.
–Exercise because you want to get/be healthy. Let weight loss be a perk.
– Exercise does not have to hurt. Especially in the beginning. Eventually you can start challenging your body more and start enjoying the burn.
– Find something you can handle doing forever. If you truly hate the activity you are doing you will eventually quit. Try lots of different activities. You might be surprised what you will like.
– Balance your resolutions between mind, body, and spirit goals.
– Last but surely not least – live your life. When you constantly complain and don’t do anything about it who’s to blame? Little baby steps at a time. Little goals at a time. If you fall off the wagon —climb back on! Just don’t give up.
I wish everyone a Merry Christmas and a Happy and Healthy New Year!
Ester Marsh, ACSM Cpt, Health and Fitness Director J.F. Hurley Family YMCA