The New Year is soon upon us and many drafting their New Year's Resolutions, many of which include fitness.  Here are some tips as you begin setting fitness and health goals for the New Year.  

 

1.  Be Realistic

The surest way to fall short of your goal is to make your goal unattainable. For instance, resolving to NEVER eat your favorite food again is setting you up to fail. Instead, strive for a goal that is attainable, such as avoiding it more often than you do now or finding a healthier replacement.  

 

2.  Plan Ahead

Don't make your resolution on New Year's Eve. If you wait until the last minute, it will be based on your mindset that particular day. Instead, it should be planned well before December 31 arrives.

 

3.  Outline Your Plan

Decide how you will deal with the temptation to skip that exercise class. This could include calling on a friend for help, practicing positive thinking and self-talk, or reminding yourself of the rewards of your goals.  

 

4.  Make a "Pros" and "Cons" List

It may help to see a list of items on paper to keep your motivation strong. Develop this list over time. Keep your list with you and refer to it when you need help keeping your goals.

 

5.  Talk About It

Don't keep your goals a secret. Tell friends and family members who will be there to support you to change yourself for the better or improve your health. The best-case scenario is to find a buddy who shares your New Year's goals and works beside you.  

 

6.  Reward Yourself

This doesn't mean that you can eat an entire box of chocolates if your resolution is to eat a better diet. Instead, celebrate your success by treating yourself to something you enjoy that doesn't contradict your fitness plan.

 

7.  Track Your Progress

Keep track of each small success. Short-term goals are easier to keep, and each small accomplishment will help keep you motivated. The Y's Fit4You  is a 6 week support program that is designed to teach members how to stick to an exercise regiment and track your progress. This is offered at no charge to members and is an excellent way to see your progress. 

 

8.  Don't Beat Yourself Up

Obsessing over the occasional slip won't help you achieve your goal. Do the best you can each day, and take one day at a time.

 

9.  Stick to It

Experts say it takes about 21 days for a new activity to become a habit and six months for it to become part of your personality. It won't happen overnight, so be persistent and patient!

 

10. Keep Trying

If you have totally run out of steam when it comes to keeping your goals  by mid-February, don't despair! Just keep on trying! 

 

Remember that the Y has free programs that track your fitness progress, personal trainers that help motivate and teach you, as well as many specialized classes to customize your workout. For more info, visit www.mankatoymca.com  

WINTER WONDERLAND


The Y filled a bus with Holiday Cheer for the 2nd Annual Kiwanis Lights parade on last Friday evening. Decked out in lights and with live carols and music, there was plenty of Christmas spirit. The Y also has a tree decorated in the park...can you find it?

Make sure you get down and enjoy the Kiwanis Lights. Drive, ride, or walk thru and don't forget to stop and say hello to Santa and his reindeer at his workshop before you leave.

If you have questions about Silver & Fit,
contact your insurance provider.
Sign up begins in January 2014

December 7:

Reindeer Dash/ Santa Sprint

 

December 16:

Open enrollment begins for

 Fall 2014 Preschool

 

 December 24:

Christmas Eve

The Y will close at 2 p.m. 

 

December 25:

Merry Christmas

The Y is CLOSED

 

 

December  31:

New Year's Eve

The Y will close at 6 p.m. 

 

January 1:

New Year's Day

The Y will be OPEN from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.  

 

January 11:

Neon New Year

4-6th Grade Social 

 

January 12:

 Gradual Ironman Triathalon Begins  

 

January 25:

 Viva Vivaldi  

 

 

John coated in slime

LEND A HAND,
GIVE A CAN: A SUCCESS!

 Mankato Family YMCA