New Years fitness resolutions – YMCA Trainer weighs in

Dallas, TX (January 17, 2024) – The YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas is preparing for a rush of new memberships over the next few weeks, according to Kimberly Graber, Association Director of Personal Training. For some, the new year means new goals, and oftentimes it involves becoming healthier or improving one’s fitness.

“With endless diet trends and ‘quick fixes’ it can be difficult to figure out where to start. The best method is to go back to basics – the most important part of your health and wellness journey is determining your purpose – be specific,” said Graber. “Think about why you’re investing in your health. Is it so you can be around longer to watch your grandchildren grow up? Is it because you want to improve your mental health? Dig deep and use that reason as fuel to get started.”

She says the more targeted you are with your purpose, the more detailed your plan is, and the more likely you will execute that plan.

Here are three key steps, according to Graber, that everyone should include in their health and wellness journey once you have determined your purpose:

Be Realistic 

Your current lifestyle is years of doing the same thing over and over again. Do not expect to make changes overnight, you have to start small implementations over time to form new habits. If you don’t already go to the gym, don’t start by saying you will go five times a week, consider starting with a 20-minute walk or a 20-minute at-home workout a couple of times a week. Once you’ve become consistent, then begin adding more days or weight to your routine. Research says that it takes roughly 21 days to form a new habit and 90 days to make it part of your lifestyle. Give yourself some grace.

Discipline over Motivation 

Motivation is fleeting, you can’t rely on this alone. Discipline is doing the hard work even on days when you don’t feel like it. But there is a fine line – there will be times when you are not able to give 100 percent and that’s ok! It’s better to give 50 percent effort than to skip the workout entirely or binge. It’s about consistency and chipping away at your goal, not being perfect.

Celebrate Your Wins

Showing up is one of the greatest gifts you can give yourself. Be proud of your efforts, no matter how small. If you’ve been able to run a little longer than the week before or if you’ve learned how to make more healthy meals at home – celebrate it. Each time you acknowledge these moments, you’re creating more positive reinforcement which can encourage you to keep going.

“The YMCA of Metropolitan Dallas offers a variety of programs that support every fitness level, from group classes to personal training. We also launched Virtual YMCA, an online platform dedicated to nutrition courses, yoga classes, low-impact workouts, healthy recipes, and more. It’s a convenient solution to help stay fit and healthy from the comfort of your home,” said Graber.

The Y is currently offering a $0 fee to join in January. To learn more about the Y’s programming and classes near you, visit: https://www.ymcadallas.org/join 

Submitted press release

  fitness, New Year’s resolutions, YMCA