If you’ve decided to lose weight in 2010 or carve yourself some abs reminiscent of David Beckham, chances are you’re not alone.
Kayla Martell, general manager at the Lasalle Boulevard branch of Good Life Fitness, said New Year’s resolutions usually revolve around getting in shape, but more importantly, losing weight; something a gym membership can help people with.
“Generally speaking, New Year’s resolutions revolve around weight loss, whether it be through a diet or working out.”
Within roughly six weeks, going to the gym to do a full-body workout, people usually lose between six to nine pounds, according to Martell.
Greater Sudbury Mayor John Rodriguez said the plan for the new year is simple: “Get in shape.”
The mayor will reportedly be working out at the T-Zone Vibration health studio, located at 233 Brady St. in the Brady Square.
“It’s a great concept,” the mayor said of the studio during its recent grand opening. “It’s important for health and I want to get fit.”
The mayor said he is planning on taking advantage of having the new health studio across the street from city hall.
“It’s just a perfect fit for me... I’m going to come back, I’m going to do the early mornings and (spend) 20 to 30 minutes on (The T-Zone machine).”
Martell said business for the gym and fitness industry always picks up due to New Year’s resolutions.
“January is our busiest month of the year. You always expect that in this business.”
The key to sticking to fitness or health-oriented resolutions is “making it something consistent that they can actually maintain throughout the year,” and “making sure that when they come in they’re coming in with a game plan.”
Often, for a gym newbie, that involves starting off with a personal trainer, Martell said.
That way “they have somebody to hold them accountable and to make sure they’re scheduling their workouts.”
The resolution itself is important, but it’s also important to follow through properly, Martell said.
“Getting in shape is one of the best (resolutions) you can have... (But) it’s something you have to stick with and start from the get-go properly.”
Members can book personal trainer visits in packages as small as three to six visits, Martell said.
"That’s where people are going to get the biggest bang for their buck, as far as getting results.”
Goodlife Fitness offers a free three-day trial option for new members.
Usually resolutions-makers fall off the wagon after around three months, Martell said.
How to make and keep your New Year’s resolutions
- Write your resolutions down and think long-term. Writing out goals makes them seem more official. Take the time to really plan out resolutions and add in specific details you can work toward and use as milestones. Be realistic about the number of resolutions you write down. If you have too many, or if they are too aggressive, you could derail yourself before you even begin. Think about your resolutions in terms of the whole year, too, not just this month or this week. Having long and short-term goals will help you to stay motivated and keep on track long after the New Year’s confetti is gone.
- Find a New Year’s resolution buddy. Having someone to lean on during challenging times, share stories with and celebrate successes with can make a big difference in keeping New Year’s resolutions.
- Plan ahead. Take the guesswork out of New Year’s resolutions by planning ahead to ensure you meet your goals. For instance, if your resolution is weight management, plan the week’s meals ahead of time or build your own custom meal plan using online meal planners. Or, consider following doctor-recommended meal plans which encourage eating low fat foods and including regular exercise in your daily routine.
- Keep up the good work. Experts say it takes about three weeks for something, such as exercising, to become a habit and six months for it to become part of your personality. Sticking to your goals will get easier over time and eventually, your good habits will become part of your regular routine.
- Reward yourself and don’t give up. Be sure to celebrate successes and milestones along the way, and if you fall off the wagon, pick yourself up, recommit to your goals and keep going. It doesn’t have to be Jan. 1 to start working on being the best person you can be.
Source: News Canada
