Keep Those New Year's Resolutions

The South Montgomery County YMCA Offers Suggestions

The Woodlands, TX -- An estimated 45-50 percent of Americans made resolutions earlier in the month, because we all saw an opportunity for a fresh start. We hoped to become healthier and "better" people in the new year. So it’s frustrating to acknowledge that some 37 percent of us will have given up by March 1 and more than half by the end of June. But the YMCA knows a lot about staying healthy in “spirit, mind and body” and so, offers these suggestions for keeping your resolutions in 2008:

• Keep it manageable. To stay on track, focus on only three resolutions.

• Don’t be too ambitious, but stick to it. With exercising—or other resolutions—start with an easily achievable goal and work up to a regular routine. As you become more physically conditioned, you’ll be able to gently increase your intensity level by picking up the pace or adding new goals to your routine.

• Vary your resolutions, not focusing solely on the body. Maintain your emotional health as well by volunteering an hour per week, reading a book a month, writing a friend or family member.

• Line up a support network. Accomplishing your goal can be easier with the support of family, friends and coworkers. And tell them how they can help!

“And remember,” says Roxanne Davis, YMCA Marketing Director, “The key to success is confidence. Goals are accomplished through a series of small steps and the hardest step to take is the first one. Perseverance and commitment to change are the key elements to turning resolutions into reality. At the South Montgomery County YMCA, we’re here to help you keep your New Year’s Resolutions all year long.”

The help available at the YMCA includes Y Personal Fitness, an 8 week program designed specifically to meet your own personal needs and goals. If you are new to exercise or if you have a difficult time sticking with an exercise program, Y Personal Fitness is specially designed for you. As a participant you will receive:

- Four appointments with a YMCA Personal Fitness Coach
- Develop and maintain a more active lifestyle that meets your own personal needs and goals
- Receive individual instruction on the use of the cardiovascular equipment and strength training equipment.
- Learn how to become successful by starting off at the right level and becoming committed through the routine of a structured but manageable program.

Also available is FitLinxx, an interactive fitness program that takes the guess work out of exercise. Why get linked to FitLinxx?

- Tracks range of motion to ensure each repetition is effective
- Tracks your progress making for a successful workout program
- Records the # of repetitions completed
- Records how much weight you are lifting

In addition, the YMCA offers personal fitness consultation, weight management programs for adults and kids, small group fitness classes, large group fitness classes, nutritional counseling, small group training classes, and much more for all ages, all levels of fitness and for all interests.

To help you get started and stay on track, the YMCA is giving out a free YMCA Gift Fit Gift Kit for all new members joining in January. For more information on YMCA Health and Wellness programs and Membership please call 281-367-9622 or stop by the South Montgomery County YMCAs, locates at 6145 Shadowbend Place and 8100 Ashlane Way in The Woodlands. The YMCA is a Great Place to be Healthy and Active All Year Long.