Editor's note: This story was first published in 2017. Some fitness facilities mentioned here may have changed operating procedures because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Getting into better shape is a common resolution at New Year's, yet many people fail to reach this goal. Here are some tips you might try.
- Ask yourself why: Goals can be set, but your thoughts are what keep you motivated to reach them. Before making your plan, acknowledge why you want to make a change. Do you want to look better? Feel better? Have more endurance, strengthen your muscles? Can you visualize yourself already in great shape?
When you are motivated, workouts come much more naturally and you look forward to them rather than dreading them. As the impact that fitness has on both your physical and mental health is realized, you are much less likely to want to miss out on this payoff.
Because being active always changes body chemistry for the better, you can use exercise to relax you when you are feeling anxious, and energize you when you need a boost. People who are physically active experience less stress, anxiety and depression, feel better about themselves and are generally much happier than those who are inactive.
- Just do something: It is vital to seek out a fitness program that piques your curiosity and interests. There are dozens of options for exercise aside from joining a gym, such as learning more about winter sports like cross-country skiing or ice skating, for example.
Also, many rec centers and health clubs offer basketball, volleyball and racquetball courts, indoor tracks, and some have heated pools - all great ways to stay motivated throughout the winter.
- Instructional videos: If home workouts suit you better, there are hundreds of great instructional videos available to keep you active, including weightlifting, yoga, martial arts and even salsa dancing - whatever appeals to you.
- Tell somebody: Letting others know about your goals can help keep you on track. Discussing your plans with family, friends or co-workers usually means they'll want to check in with you along the way to see how you're doing. Knowing that someone cares feels great, and at the same time, we don't want to let them or ourselves down. That can make the desire to succeed even greater.
- Find a partner: If you don't like exercising by yourself, pair up with a fitness buddy, someone who has the same resolution. Having someone with a shared goal to work out with can be incredibly supportive and encouraging for both of you. Make sure the person is someone who truly shares your passion and who is serious about following through.
- An 'A' for effort: Remember, each day is a new opportunity, and any exercise or healthy changes to diet are better than none at all. Use the day to practice a new mindset, giving yourself an A for effort, however big or small. If you do experience a setback, remember that it's nothing more than a temporary glitch if you choose it to be.
IF MONEY IS AN ISSUE
Fitness centers are a great place to pursue your dreams of weight loss or conditioning. But they come at a price. Consider, though, that you’re getting the benefit of instruction or consultations led by trained experts, cutting-edge exercise equipment and supplemental perks such as saunas, steam rooms, hot tubs and on-site child care. Plus, you might be more motivated to work out if you know you’re spending real money for results. But if the budget is tight, here are three local low-cost options.
– Chattanooga Fitness Center: Often referred to as the PowerHouse, this facility at Warner Park, corner of Third Street and Holtzclaw Avenue, features a variety of strength and cardiovascular machines, free weights and exercise classes. Cost to work out is $1 per visit, and there are no memberships. 423-643-6600, chattanooga.gov/parks/recreation/fitness-center.
– Brainerd BX: This multi-use fitness center at 4011 Austin St. is operated by Brainerd Baptist Church. It features cardio and weight machines, plus professional instruction in group fitness classes. A day pass is $5 per person. Memberships are $40 for three months, $65 for six months, $90 for 12 months. 423-643-4978, www.brainerdbaptist.org/thebx.
– Outdoor Chattanooga: Not a fitness center, but a get-moving motivator with classes and activities to immerse participants in land, water and air recreation. The January schedule includes Learn To Ride a Bicycle classes, a Cumberland Trail hike series and the return of the popular Winter Workshops series, providing indoor instruction for outdoor pursuits. 423-643-6888, outdoorchattanooga.com.
Marjie Gilliam is a personal trainer and fitness consultant. This article appeared in the Dayton (Ohio) Daily News.