Keep Your Resolutions From Fading

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BY ANNA WILSON
BLUE RIDGE HEALTHCARE

MORGANTON - February is the month where previously crowded gyms and health centers become mysteriously deserted.

“This is the month when resolutions made for the new year unfortunately start fading,” said Charlotte Eidson, Massage/Program Coordinator at Phifer Wellness Center.

“Although great in theory, new year’s resolutions usually don’t work out the way we want them to. However, feeling guilty will only send us in a downward spiral with chips and chocolate ice cream,” she said.

Today is a new day. Make a new goal.

Give your resolution a makeover and this time, be more specific about what you want to accomplish. Eidson suggests going to a mirror with your head up and shoulders pulled back. “Tell yourself, ‘I want to (fill in the blank with your new goal),” she said.

Today is the day to start, Eidson emphasized. Not Monday. Not the first day of the month. NOW. “Life is about choices, not rights or wrongs,” she said. “If you don’t like the conditions or outcomes of your choices, make new ones. Life changes everyday so this will help you change with it. Choices are the first step. Next comes truth in our commitment to change.”

And change isn’t something that happens in a single stroke, say the experts at American Council on Exercise (ACE). It’s a process that develops over time.

One thing that could be hurting your chance for success is your goal itself.

Instead of resolving to “exercise more” it helps to be more specific,” said Kristine Kelly, WELLWORxSM coordinator at Blue Ridge HealthCare. “Make a specific plan of action such as ‘I will exercise four days a week.’ You can get even more specific if you want to by saying, ‘I will walk on Tuesday and Thursday, attend a class on Monday, and I will lift weights on Friday.’”

The more specific you get the better off you are, she said.

Kelly also counsels participants in the WELLWORxSM program to find a buddy.

“Exercising with a friend provides instant accountability,” she said. “If your friend is meeting you, you’re more likely to show up.”

If you can’t find someone to exercise with you, maybe you can get professional assistance from a personal trainer. Phifer has three certified personal trainers on staff - Shea Flowers, Johnie Morrison and Debbie Crouch.

“Hiring a personal trainer will ensure you get an exercise program designed just for you,” said Flowers. “We can help you accomplish your fitness goals, monitor your progress and make modifications if we need to.”

Maybe one session is all you need or maybe you feel six sessions spread out over three months would be better. “However you want to do it, we will work with you,” she said.

Studies have shown that employing a fitness professional to help you reach your goals more than doubles people’s success rate.

For those who can’t afford a professional, Phifer Director Debbie Knight offers this piece of advice - “Keep it real.”

“Some of us may never achieve the body of a pro athlete or super model,” she said. “But they are not the norm. The average American woman is 5-feet 4-inches tall, and weighs 152 pounds; the average man is 5-feet 9-inches and weighs 180 pounds. Set realistic goals and strive to reach your own personal best.”

Another way to jumpstart your lagging enthusiasm for keeping your resolution is to find variety. If you’ve walked for exercise since starting your fitness routine, trying integrating new things. Walk one day and go to the gym the next. Try a class. If you don’t think you can handle group exercise classes, try Pilates, swimming or the treadmill.

“Do something you enjoy and avoid activities you don’t,” Knight said. “Don’t overdo it, just keep at it.”

All three also suggest not focusing on weight loss. “Don’t let your weight determine if your program has been successful,” Knight said. “Focus on performance. If you’ve been active every day and eating a healthy diet, you’ll be rewarded with better health.”

ANNA WILSON is a writer and graphic artist in Blue Ridge HealthCare’s Marketing and Public Relations Department.

Anna Wilson is a writer and graphic artist in Blue Ridge HealthCare’s Marketing and Public Relations Department.

The second largest employer in Burke County, Blue Ridge HealthCare serves a four-county area and includes Grace and Valdese hospitals, Blue Ridge Home HealthCare, Grace Heights and College Pines Health & Rehabilitation Centers, Grace Ridge Retirement Community, Phifer Wellness Center and a number of physician practices.