By Alexandra Silakoski, BS, CPT

Alexandra.Silakoski@activewellness.com

Now that the relatives have left, the decorations have been packed up (or left out), and everyone has gone back to the daily grind, the new year is officially under way. And, soon, New Year’s resolutions will find their way back to the Land of Make-Believe.

Most people make New Year’s resolutions that have to do with getting healthy, losing weight, exercising more, eating better, or all of the above. Oddly, these often turn out to be the same as the resolutions made just the year before. Scientists report that, by the Ides of March, 94.62% of all resolutions will have lapsed. (OK, I made up that number. But I bet it’s accurate!) While I’m doing Latin, January is named after Janus, the Roman god of endings and beginnings, which is why this really is the perfect time to lay bad habits to rest and learn new and better habits. Alas, that will never happen without a realistic and achievable plan for long-term success.

As a Personal Trainer at Tri-City Wellness Center, I have seen too many people set the right goals without knowing how to achieve them. They may think it’s a simple matter of grit, or inner discipline, or self-abnegation. But they don’t know where to start — and that’s where we come in.  At TCWC, Personal Trainers first meet one-on-one with a client to go over goals and health history and to do a movement assessment. That way, we can learn exactly where you are physically and get an understanding of where you wish to be. Then we can put together a work-out plan specifically designed for — and achievable by — you.

We have learned that these are some of the habits you’ll need to have long-term success.

1. Make your health a priority.

The first step is to believe that your health is worth some time and money and effort. The crazy speed of 21st-century life can make folks feel that they don’t have any time to devote to themselves. After all, there are bosses, spouses, and kids who need to be taken care of.  But making your health a priority is exactly what you need to do to keep your boss, spouse, and kids happy. You need the energy, strength, and overall quality of life that excellent health will give you so you can enjoy the wonderful things and wonderful people life has to offer.

2. Take it one day at a time.

Unfortunately, having and achieving are two very different things. Your goals will not be met overnight (not even if you win the lottery); instead, you must decide anew every day to make the change you’ve decided on. It’s easy to feel discouraged when you don’t see the immediate results that late-night TV promises over and over and over again. I’m afraid that it really does take time and hard work and dedication. But there will be progress — and even if you are afraid it’s invisible, your TCWC Personal Trainer will see it and tell you about it. Just keep going, one day at a time.

3. Enjoy the process.

Yes, enjoy it. It is vital to enjoy the process of setting and meeting challenges. My motto is, “Health is a positive outcome, so working out should be a positive process.” I don’t believe in yelling at people or forcing them to endure pointless pain. The clients who have the most success are the ones who enjoy it. So it is a major part of my job to help my clients find their playground, where they can have fun while progressing toward their goals. Only then can anyone keep going — if it’s unpleasant, why do it?

So why not just do this on your own? Well, some people can, and more power to them. But most of us need someone to give us objective reality checks and a little help. This is where TCWC comes in. We are committed to being your guide and helping you in your journey to fitness; along the way, we’ll explore our state-of-the-art facility, lane pool, therapy pool, classes, and, most importantly, the TCWC Health Creation Process, where we do assessments and, if you need an extra hand, schedule private personal training sessions.

My coworkers and I love what we do and will stick with you from wherever you are to wherever you wish to be!

Writing this article reminded me of an old play:

Everyman, an English morality play from the late 15th century. Everyman asks help from Beauty, Kindred, and Worldly Goods to go with him through life. But none of them will promise loyalty.

Finally, Knowledge says,

Everyman, I will go with thee, and be thy guide,

In thy most need to go by thy side.

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