Fading resolutions

PERU — Losing weight and improving fitness are the most common New Year’s resolutions. While easier said than done no matter what page of the calendar we’re on, it’s especially difficult after several weeks of enjoying Christmas parties and family gatherings.

Illinois Valley YMCA CEO David Potthoff recently discussed the New Year’s rush and provided some advice on how to achieve fitness goals. According to Potthoff, the YMCA has approximately 10,000 members who travel from throughout the Illinois Valley to take advantage of their facilities.

He said one of the fastest growing segments of membership are seniors, and their most commonly chosen activities are walking or using a treadmill.

Frequent mistakes of those beginning to live a more fit lifestyle are “doing too much too soon.”

“You don’t need to come every day. The best way to ensure success is to take it slow and have support from a partner, friend or family member; socialization is key. If you go through the gym, you’ll see as much socializing as you do exercise,” Potthoff said.

Another bit of advice he offered was to prioritize fitness like you would anything else you have to do.

“Too many people take the approach of placing exercise at the end of their priorities as in ‘I’ll do it as soon as I’m done with everything else.’ and then they end up not doing it; you have to keep it important,” he said.

Variety was another suggestion as a way to not lose focus of desired goals.

“Have fun, try unique things and don’t get pigeon-holed; we have many different things here people can try, and they’ll all capable of helping to improve fitness,” Potthoff said.

As badly as many of us want to be more fit in the new year, many resolutions fade away. Potthoff said those who begin because of a New Year’s resolution can often begin to visit less around March.

“People think they don’t need to continue because it’s nice outside and they’re enjoying the weather, but being outside doesn’t mean you’re exercising,” he said.

He also advised against purchasing a single piece of home exercise equipment.

“Eighty-five percent of that kind of equipment ends up becoming a clothes hanger, and that’s something that will cause you to quickly lose motivation,” he said.