Millions of Americans will once again make resolutions related to diets and exercise. The trick is sticking to them.One reason people don’t stick to their resolutions is because they set unrealistic goals, said David Corder, owner of Perfect Fit Wellness Center in Falcon. “Don’t set yourself up for failure,” Corder said. “Set small attainable goals and build on them throughout the year.”People often start the New Year with the lofty goal of going to the gym five days a week. “While that is a good goal, it’s unrealistic, especially for someone who isn’t already exercising regularly,” he said. “A more realistic goal would be to go to the gym at least twice a week. Once your body adjusts to that, it will be easier to add days to your exercise routine.”A healthy body means making the right choices daily, Corder said. Besides going to the gym, he said people need to make a conscious effort to think about getting off the couch and moving because a “body in motion burns more calories.”Committing to an ongoing fitness plan is easier with an exercise buddy, Corder said, like a friend, neighbor, or spouse – someone who shares the same health goals. “Pick someone who will motivate you to stick to an exercise program, and remember your role is to do the same for that person.”Perhaps one can meet an exercise buddy at one of Falcon’s four fitness facilities. While two are resident-only gyms, Perfect Fit Wellness Center at Highway 24, and Curves for Women in the Safeway shopping center are open to the public.Shonna and Matti Vest, who work out together at Curves in Falcon, agree. “My daughter Matti is my strongest supporter,” Shonna said. “She’s the one who walked us through the Curves door and helps keep my exercise program on track.”The mother-daughter team has been working out for three years. They watch what they eat and work out six days a week. Shonna has dropped 52 pounds and Matti has lost 70 pounds since joining Curves, and they keep the weight off by encouraging each other to keep exercising.Amory Miller, who works at Curves, said regular exercise has improved her health immensely. “I can now keep up with my children, and the endorphins generated from working out have improved my mental health,” Miller said.Ruth Kressin started working out in March and has lowered her blood pressure and stopped the progression of adult-onset diabetes. “I will be here forever,” Kressin said. “Besides the health improvements, exercise has also increased my flexibility and stamina.”For those who need help getting started on an exercise program, Corder said hiring a personal trainer makes sense. People are often reluctant to take this step because of the cost. But, he said, “No one needs a trainer for life.” A good personal trainer helps individuals jump-start their fitness program. “They can help you set fitness goals, set up an exercise program based on your body type, and the skills you learn from a personal trainer will last a lifetime.”Diet or eating lifestyleBecause diet implies restriction, Corder said the word should be “stricken from our vocabulary.””People need to readjust their thinking,” he added. “Stop thinking about denial and start thinking about nutrition. It’s not about cutting out certain foods; it’s about making healthy choices over the long term.”Eat breakfast everyday.” When faced with the choice of whether to have a donut for breakfast or skip the meal altogether, Corder said, “Eat the donut.”Donuts are never an ideal food, but skipping breakfast is one of the worst choices people make. “Our bodies need fuel to burn, and it is especially important to eat within one hour of waking up to maintain a healthy body. Learn about nutrition so you can make the right choices.”Healthy living is about eating the right foods, in the right amount, at the right time, and moving your body.”
