Get Active - Stay on Track in the New Year

By Jane Bogordos, MA (Exercise Physiology), Fitness Supervisor with Omni Health & Fitness

If your goal is to get fit and be more active in the New Year, here are a few easy to follow tips to stay on track throughout 2012:

• Set Realistic Goals – Set short term goals; lose 1 - 2 lbs/week; be able to run a mile in under 10min; complete 10 - 15 perfect push-ups; etc.

• If You Falter, Don’t Give Up! – Start back on track immediately, not next Monday.

• Plan Your Day – Schedule an hour time slot each day for exercise. Get up early to start your day with an activity or bring workout clothes and go right to the gym after work. No excuses if you plan ahead! 

• Spice Up Your Workout – Come to an exercise class you have never attended (ex: Zumba, Spin class, Body Combat, Aquatics class).

• Bring a Friend to the Gym – It is much more fun to exercise with a friend than by yourself.

• Use A Personal Trainer – Sometimes it’s hard to push yourself to reach that higher level of fitness. A trainer will motivate you and adapt your workout to make your goals more obtainable.

• Make Exercise a Family Event – Spend family time together having fun getting fit. Play basketball, go swimming, jog on the track, play a game of racquetball.

• Prioritize – Make “YOU” the number one priority on your list. Stresses of the job and raising a family make it difficult to find time to keep fit. Just remember, the healthier you are, the better parent, partner, and employee you will be.

• Be Accountable – Attend weekly weigh-ins; get re-assessed every 12 weeks; document your exercise accomplishments to keep yourself on track.

• Meet New People – Breakout of your comfort zone and attend group training classes like Pilates, Yoga, and Parisi Speed School.

Omni Health & Fitness is a complete health and fitness center that has served Northwest Indiana and the south Chicagoland communities for more than 35 years. With two locations in Schererville and Chesterton, Omni continues to add new and exciting fitness experiences, programs and equipment, keeping our clubs on the cutting-edge of health and wellness. Learn more about Omni Health & Fitness at franciscanalliance.org/omni and facebook.com/omnihealthandfitness.