Wisely choose an exercise facility

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year ó 2017 will be here in less than a month. How many New Yearís resolutions will be broken in less than 60 days? The top way to keep a New Yearís resolution is to make it attainable, and take one step at a time. Set monthly goals and celebrate each goal that you reach. This year, your No. 1 resolution should be a healthier YOU. Start planning now on how to reach that goal.Better health means exercising six days a week for a minimum of 30 minutes a day. Choose your exercise wisely, and remember the best exercise is one that you actually do. Choose your exercise facility with care.

1. Location: If you choose a facility on the other side of town, will you make it there consistently to work out? A facility located somewhere between your home and office is best. Try a small business facility in your own community.
2. Members: Everyone responds differently to those around them, and you should keep this in mind before you choose a facility. You should feel relaxed in your exercise environment, not embarrassed or intimidated. Will you be comfortable exercising around the current members? Is the facility over-crowded?
3. Staff: The staff members of the facility should be supportive and courteous, ready to answer questions or help you on a machine if needed. They are there to help you make the most of your workouts.
4. Cleanliness: Make sure the facility and the equipment are kept clean.
5. Equipment: What type of equipment is used? Is there a clean place to stretch to complete your workout?
6. Classes offered: Ask to see the schedule of fitness classes offered at the facility. Make sure that the classes you want to take are offered at the times you can attend, and find out if you need to show up early to reserve a spot.
7. Fees: What do the fees include? What are the payment schedules? Do you pay each month, or do you have to commit yourself to an entire year as a member? Can you cancel without penalty? Ask if they honor the Silver Sneakers program. Make sure if you are a Silver Sneaker that you attend eight times a month so the facility gets paid.

Before you join a facility, make sure you are willing to attend at least three to four times weekly. You have to make the commitment to yourself first. Your family will be happy with a healthier you.If you have a gym at home, do you use it? Why not? Not motivated? Get a friend to join you at your home gym, or join a gym that you feel welcome and comfortable going to. Make new friends and enjoy your road to better health.Look at what you are putting in your body for fuel. Is it healthy? Are there better choices? Eating healthy will save your life and your loved ones life. If you really want to lose weight, try giving up 300 to 500 calories a day (a Starbucks 12-ounce caffe latte is165 calories; a 12-ounce can of Pepsi is 150). Make sure you are eating 1,400 to1,600 calories. Never ever go below 1,400 calories. Your body will go into starvation mode. Watch your portions, and check the serving sizes.Healthy lifestyle = eating a healthy diet + getting 30 minutes a day of exercise (two to three days of strength, same with cardio) and seven days of walking (10,000 steps goal) + drinking 64 ounces of water + six to eight hours of sleep.Jenni Mathews is the owner of Curves in Falcon. She can be reached at 719-494-2000.