I always find it interesting how right after the New Year all classes at the Y are packed with people who decided to lose weight as their New Year’s resolution. That number will dwindle as the weeks go on and by the beginning of February we get back to our regular number of participants in each class. Why is it that people have such a difficult time sustaining their New Year’s resolution of losing weight and becoming healthier?
There is a billion-dollar industry of miracle diets, diet supplements and pills, and crazy exercise programs that might work fast but yield only temporary results. These companies keep making money with yo-yo diets because people keep buying magical shakes, dangerous diet pills, and DVDs of insane workout programs that can cause injuries. Sadly, the weight loss industry benefits financially from people’s failures.
Here at the YMCA of Montclair, we approach health and fitness in a different way. We understand it as a lifelong journey that requires time and commitment.
Like last year, and the year before, you may be setting new wellness goals for 2020. Maybe you want to lose weight, get more definition, increase your strength, stop eating unhealthy foods or exercise more hours a week. Do you keep setting the same goals year after year? Why can’t you achieve your goals? Perhaps you are approaching it as a temporary goal when it really is a major lifestyle change.
Becoming a healthy individual requires time, dedication, and discipline. At the YMCA, we are here to help you and guide you in this rewarding process. We offer different programs, classes and lectures to support you. Our certified personal trainers are committed to encouraging and motivating you at every step of the way.
So, how do we come to understand that this is a life-changing process that takes time and work? These are a few recommendations to help you FIND THE SOLUTION IN YOUR RESOLUTION:
- Find help and support. Reach out to friends, family, colleagues, get a workout buddy or sign up for personal training sessions at the YMCA of Montclair. You can also make an appointment for a nutritional consultation. Join our “fit family” at the Y!
- Learn to find satisfaction and happiness in new and healthier things and activities.
- Try to surround yourself with people that share similar interests and ideas.
- Inform yourself. Knowledge is power! Learn as much as you can about nutrition and fitness.
- Keep moving.
- Set realistic goals. Set one goal at a time and make it small. Setting multiple goals at the same time is the perfect formula for failure. Do not compare yourself to others and do not try to fix in a month something that was created over years.
- Keep motivated. Find things that are part of your plan but that are also fun and enjoyable.
- Learn to enjoy the discipline.
- Stay committed.
- Become actively involved in your plan. It will keep you more engaged and responsible with it.
- Stay persistent. Nothing will happen overnight; no changes come without daily hard work and effort.
- Reward yourself. Find healthy ways to treat and be kind to yourself. Listen to music, get a massage, buy a nice book, hang out with your friends.
This is your own path. Stay focused on your plan of action but don’t forget to enjoy the journey. When you find your inner strength you will be proud of yourself. On this bumpy road you will discover who you really are; and you might love this new you! Good luck!
By Lisy Espindola, LCSW, Healthy Living Director