By Dolores Fischer
Pulse Staff Reporter
The hum of treadmills, the clanging of free weights and the pounding of balls on the gymnasium floor are all sounds that resonate much more frequently in fitness centers at the beginning of each New Year.
Individuals set a goal of becoming a new person in the New Year. The idea of being a new you has been around for years, and gyms help this cause by offering many incentives to join their clubs by providing discounts on membership rates, waiving start up fees and deferring commitment contracts.
These incentives help you get started on your journey to a new you; however, the key is to keep the routine going throughout the year and beyond. You do not want to end up like most people, dropping out by mid-February.
Here are five practical tips to keep you motivated to reach your New Year’s resolution fitness goals:
1) Set a realistic goal. Do not try to achieve something that is out of reach.
Alyssa De La O, a Palo Alto College and Texas A&M-San Antonio graduate Communications major, said to take baby steps.
“Take your time, and watch what you eat,” De La O said. She has been steadily working out and eating healthy since 2013 and has lost more than 60 pounds by cutting out soft drinks, watching what she eats and taking Zumba.
Faith Maldonado, a sophomore Kinesiology major, said her short-term goal is to lose 5 to 10 pounds slowly. She works out three times a week with free weights, walks on the treadmill and follows healthy eating habits.
“It makes me feel better all around,” said Maldonado
2) Take advantage of professionals who can assist you, such as fitness trainers and nutritionists.
Intramural and Extramural Specialist E. J. Moreno at Palo Alto College talked about a new program, PAC Fit Challenge, which offers help in staying fit and maintaining your goals. Students sign up for the 4-week program where they weigh in weekly and get fitness assessments with guidance on training and nutrition.
3) Work out with a buddy. He or she will provide the support you need, and you, too, will be their support.
“You get through it together, on and off for three years,” De La O said of her buddy’s support.
4) Give yourself time to recover. Your body and its muscles need time to get ready for the next set of workout sessions. The time off makes muscles stronger.
Martin Escatel, a sophomore Kinesiology major, works out to get stronger.
“My goal is to bench more than my own body weight,” said Escatel.
5) Have fun! In order to enjoy what you are doing, it has to be fun.
Following these five practical steps can lead you to achieving your fitness goals and setting yourself on the right track to looking and feeling better.
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