New year, new resolutions
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Each year, hundreds of people set their minds to fulfilling their New Year’s resolutions, and for many that includes maintaining or acquiring a healthy lifestyle and losing weight.
“I think it’s an important resolution and I think it’s one that you have to give some thought to,” said Ron Becht, program coordinator at the Tillsonburg Community Centre. “A lot of people just jump into it without giving it some thought but you have to make a commitment to it and that not only involves a commitment to working out, but a commitment to a lifestyle change which includes the nutrition aspect.”
Fellow program coordinator Donna Burditt agreed with Becht and said there are a few key things to keep in mind.
“I think it’s just a little bit of everything,” said Burditt. “When you’re starting to lose weight you should figure out what is your weakness and work on that. Also set small goals so that you’re successful.”
Burditt said in most cases, it takes 21 days to break a habit and when it comes to weight loss, using a combination of factors can help achieve one’s goals.
“So 21 days to break a habit will get you in a better routine, but along with that you have to exercise because what they say is 75% is what you eat and 25% of that is exercise,” she explained. “So you really have to put that together.”
Becht noted that the Health Club at the Tillsonburg Community Centre is always a good starting point for people wanting improve their health and lose weight as part of their New Year’s resolutions.
“We’re always here to give a lending hand and we’re here to guide them,” he said.
Burditt added that they work with individuals to answer questions, address fitness and weight-loss concerns as well as help establish the all important routine that is a necessary component when trying to shed those unwanted pounds gained over the holidays.
“We do sit down with them and talk to them about their eating habits,” said Burditt. “We might sometimes ask them to do a daily plan so we can look at it to see what they’re doing wrong or maybe they’re not even eating enough – maybe they’re just eating one meal a day. So we look at their habits also, and we set up appointments, and sit down with them to talk about exercise and nutrition.”
Amy McColl of Tillsonburg is one local resident who is working hard to stay active and hopes to improve her overall health in 2013.
“I joined the gym last July, I’ve been here six months and it’s great,” she said noting the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. “I wasn’t very active before and I just decided that I needed to do something.”
For those wishing to start the New Year on the right note, there are many gyms in town, including the Tillsonburg Community Centre, which is offering a special program beginning mid-January.
“The Best Loser Challenge is a good kick-start,” said Burditt. “That starts January 14, 2013 - it’s a 10-week program and both Ron and I will work with participants in the program on nutrition and exercise, getting them in shape and back to a healthy lifestyle.”
Exercise is an important aspect in losing weight said Burditt, and also gives people more energy, can help them sleep better and overall, help them feel better too.
“Weight loss is a big thing and people have to work at it,” said Burditt. “I think it’s the accountability and the consistency that they have to try and maintain. That’s key.”