Exercise, weight loss top New Year's resolutions

Many area residents probably ushered in the New Year Sunday with a pledge to better their lives by exercising more often.

Others might want to lose some excess weight that is preventing them from wearing their favorite clothes.

Sally Wood, general manager at the Chinn Aquatics & Fitness Center, 13025 Chinn Park Drive, Mid-county area, encouraged residents to do just that this year.

She said the center has seen an influx of customers after Jan. 1 in previous years, but a problem is that many stop coming about three to four weeks into the year as they lose interest in exercising.

“We see a huge drop-off,” Wood said.  “Hopefully we can capture them in their interests and hang on to them.”

The key to being successful with exercising, according to Wood, is to find the right activities.

“Find something you enjoy doing,” she said, noting swimming, golfing, and other classes and programs the Chinn center has.

But the chosen line of exercises might be dependent on the customer’s ability.

“If you don’t have trouble with your knees and back, the easiest thing to use is a treadmill,” Wood said. “If you have joint issues, then water fitness – such as swimming or water walking – would be great.”

A doctor should approve an exercise regimen before starting, she said.

Another major factor Wood stressed is to make sure exercising is convenient.

She believes exercise should fit into your schedule.  A location close to your home, work or other place you already frequent would be best.

“If you have to go a long way out of your way to work out, then you probably won’t stick with it,” Wood said of exercising as a New Year’s resolution.

Wood suggested residents inspect the credentials of fitness center staff, such as certifications for physical trainers.

They also need to ensure that equipment at the facility is safe, clean and well-maintained.

“Watch out for out-of-order signs on equipment,” Wood said.

One hurdle that may make success difficult is staying motivated.

Wood suggested finding a friend to exercise with, citing personal experience when she used to run at 5 a.m. with a neighbor.

“If there’s someone else depending on you to exercise with them, then it will make people more likely to stick to it,” Wood said.

Individuals who choose to exercise as a New Year’s resolution, according to Wood, often expect huge, noticeable results too soon.

The lack of immediate results might be another discouragement that people need to overcome.

“Don’t go at it too gung-ho to begin with, because you might hurt yourself and get discouraged,” Wood said.  “Take a baby step, do a little bit, and then add a little bit more.”

She suggests exercising every day, even if only for 15-20 minutes.

Although it is common for more people to start exercising in the beginning of the year, Wood hopes that it would become a “lifelong habit” that will extend far past the first few months of the year.

Staff writer David Pierce can be reached at 703-530-3905.