- November 28, 2024
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January is almost here, which means that many of us will begin earnestly on our resolutions, only to become discouraged by March.
The Volusia Flagler Family YMCA recently issued a statement, encouraging community members to give their New Year’s resolutions a better chance by creating small, manageable goals that can lead to success of a larger one.
People look at the big picture, when they should look more at the little steps, according to Bev Johnson, executive vice president of healthy living for the YMCA.
“Losing weight is too broad a goal,” Johnson said. “Reframe your big resolution into something achievable. For example, instead of making a resolution to ‘lose weight,’ resolve to incorporate fruits and vegetables into at least two meals a day.”
Some people say they want to reduce their screen time, which includes watching TV or playing computer games.
“That can be more manageable if you replace the time with something positive like volunteering or setting special time aside for family,” she said. “Rather than thinking about what you’re losing, think about what you’re gaining.”
Another problem, she said, is that people are busy over the holidays, and don’t have time to do much planning. Then, January comes and they don’t have their resolution in their schedule.
So, it’s important to make a plan to achieve your goal, such as exercising each day at a certain time.
Another important point is not to give up, even though you fall back on your resolutions. She said you will have bad days. Bad habits don’t appear overnight, and changing them takes patience.
“Jan. 1 is just another day same as Feb. 1,” she said.
It’s a good idea to talk over exercise plans with your doctor, especially if you are over 40.
To maintain your resolution to get exercise throughout the year, it’s important to find something you enjoy, according to Pat Fanning, one of the managing owners of Evolution Health Club, 1 S. Old Kings Road.
He said a person should not think of “going to the gym” but rather “going to have fun.”
“What we try to do is make it so people enjoy themselves,” he said.
He said his facility is on 4.5 acres, so there are a lot options, such as ninja warrior workout, racket ball, wallyball, and even rock climbing.
Also, Fanning said, it’s important to remember nutrition. Sometimes a person will become discouraged because they don’t see a change, but it may be their diet.
“Eighty percent of what you look like is because of what you eat,” he said.
A certified Venice Nutrition coach, Fanning tells people the biggest thing is to keep blood sugar stable.
Deana Gammero, vice president of marketing and development for the YMCA, said there is always a big influx of people at the Y in January, and it’s their “hope and responsibility” to keep them coming. No matter what time of year a person starts at the Y, she said, they get three appointments with a personal trainer to discuss goals and plan training.
“We don’t let people come in and wonder what to do,” she said. “We take all the mystery out of it.”
Ricardo Shelton, associate director of the Ormond Beach YMCA, said the YMCA is like a family.
“We care about our members and know them on an individual basis,” he said.
