Tips to get fit in the New Year

As Triad residents enjoy the beginning of 2013, January 1, is often a day many residents will make resolutions to shed a few pounds and center their minds, bodies and spirits.

Throughout January, gyms operate at full capacity, workout equipment is often unavailable and new joggers appear on neighborhood streets. For those who need help committing to their get fit New Year’s resolution, exercise trainers offer a few tips to make sure good health is attainable.

Being motivated to get to the gym is the first step for many.

Hayes-Taylor YMCA trainer Diane Treadwell and Valerie Wilson, a coordinator at Greensboro Sportplex’s The Rush, suggest gym goers connect with other people who want to be fit and form a support system at their respective fitness facilities. Treadwell has been a trainer at the Hayes-Taylor YMCA for a decade. She said it’s common and beneficial to see people form partnerships with other health enthusiast. She added that often groups of people will meet at a scheduled time, workout and then sit down to chat afterwards. She believes doing so makes each participant feel responsible for being an active group member, and encourages each person work towards achieving metabolic efficiency.

Wilson said it might be difficult for people to focus in the gym if they’re unfamiliar with the equipment. She advised those who are new to gyms to seek trainers for assistance.

“People can visit a gym, have a tour and get affiliated with the types of equipment they have. It’ll help them realize it’s not a hard task for them to reach their goals,” said Wilson. “It takes the guess work out.”

Treadwell and Wilson offered another recommendation for motivation. They both agreed that transforming a New Year’s resolution into a long-term goal is better for a person’s overall well being. Both agreed that achieving quality health through exercise and good eating habits helps in the
prevention of heart conditions and other medical ailments.

The prevention of family medical conditions is where Treadwell’s dedication derives from. About five years ago she developed an illness which led her to be hospitalized. She was told that first responders and her fitness regimen attributed to her being alive. Treadwell said after the occurrence “I
became even more motivated (to workout).”

The American Heart Association recommends 30 minutes of moderate exercise five days out of the week. They say benefits of exercise can also be met through three segments of 10 minutes or two segments of 15 minutes.

Kristi Hunter, wellness director at the Bryan YMCA suggests that people find a gym which fits their workout needs. Hunter explained that some gym goers might prefer group exercises to personal training or vice versa. The director also explained the use of progress trackers or the creation of specific goals as a gym motivator. Hunter said programs such as Silver Sneakers, Tween Turbo Kick and Active Track are just a few offered by the YMCA which help encourage members to stay fit.Wilson, Hunter and Treedwell all believe good health is achievable and doesn’t have to be an uphill battle.

Wilson’s recipe for success was simple. She said, “Start by coming into the gym; second, have someone [who is trained] assist you and third, clean up your meal intake. Tie them in together and there’s no reason anyone can’t meet their goal.”