You became a member, now what?
The new year always brings tons of New Year’s resolutions and the number one resolution is probably weight loss. The YMCA is still running a no-joiner fee until Dec. 21 and many other health and fitness centers will be running all kinds of specials.
Of course at the YMCA we have the pools, lots of group exercise classes, basketball gyms, indoor climbing wall and so much more but today I am giving information on what to do after you become a member and would like to start in the fitness center.
Clothing:
Wear comfortable clothes, a T-shirt and jogging pants or shorts work great. If you sweat a lot, dry-wick material would be your choice. Its mostly made of 100 percent polyester and will dry the sweat quickly. Of course, regular clothes are acceptable, just make sure they are a comfortable fit. Jeans are discouraged.
Shoes:
Wear comfortable closed shoes. Sneakers are recommended since they are made to exercise in, but any other closed flat shoes should work.
Ipod/mp3/Fm/am devices:
If you get stimulated by music or books on tape this might be a great choice. If you set your device to F.M./A.M. setting, you can tune into the channels on our TVs and listen to those channels.
Talk to a trainer:
At our JF Hurley YMCA we have three free trainings for new members, but starting in January we will begin a program called “Coach Approach.” New and current members are able to set up with a trainer once a week for six weeks. This is included in your membership (including Silver Sneakers). Our goal is to make everyone very comfortable in the fitness center and explore other exercise opportunities at the Y if interested (such as classes, etc). We will help you get set up with myplate.gov (governmental free and very solid nutritional information and tracking program). Our goal is to set you up on a program that will last and work in your lifestyle.
What I need from you:
• Put health as your number one priority.
• Understand there are no miracle cures.
• Look how long it took you to get out of shape….give your body some time to get back in shape.
• Believe that beauty and good health comes in all kinds of shapes and sizes.
• It takes good “ole fashion” hard work. If it would be easy everyone would be fit and/or healthy.
• Give yourself at least a year, I know it sounds long, but when you talk to anyone who has been successful in staying in shape, they will say it took them about one year to get to their goal. This way when you fall off the wagon, there is time to climb back on!
• There is no end date, becoming and staying fit and healthy is for a lifetime.
• Are you where you want to be? Is a health and fitness membership going to help you with that? We welcome you at the YMCA where no one will be turned away due to the inability to pay for a membership. So come on! Christmas is only eight days away!
Ester H Marsh ACSM Cpt