BIBLE HILL – Sticking with a New Year's resolution takes commitment, determination and a lot of help along the way.
Like millions of others carrying on the age-old tradition of making resolutions on the eve of a New Year, Bible Hill resident Crystal Lauther has resolved to stay in shape, but not just when the calendar flips to Jan. 1. For her, it's a life-long commitment.
"I like to stay fit and healthy," she said, during a workout at Curves on Pictou Road in Bible Hill. "It's not really a New Year's resolution because I do it all the time."
Sara Mills, owner of Shock Conditioning Fitness Solutions on Walker Street in Truro, said a recent survey identified getting in shape and losing weight as the top two New Years resolutions, however, only eight per cent of people will reach their goal.
"Everybody gets excited this time of year and then life happens and they drop it," said Mills.
She said this time of year there is an increase in new clientele but after eight weeks that number will drop significantly.
Alicia Johnson, general manager of Good Life Fitness on Queen Street in Truro, said January is typically the time of year people think about their health and aim to make improvements.
"We usually see three times the amount of people coming in this time of year," said Johnson.
Some people have short-term goals to loose weight before a spring vacation instead of considering a lifestyle change, which prevents between 30 and 50 per cent from reaching their ultimate goal to improve overall health.
"They have to have a mindset that it's a lifestyle change," said Johnson, adding asking for help and advice from fitness professionals is key to success.
Curves offers a free trial membership to people year round, however, general manager Crystal Ripley, said January is when they see the greatest increase in people taking advantage of the promotion.
"I tend to see a lot that have good intentions when they come through the door but they think all they have to do is exercise."
Ripley said healthy eating, combined with regular exercise, is needed to improve overall health.
Mills said one of the keys to successfully meeting the resolution challenge is to find a workout you love instead of dread.
"My best advice would be to make a longterm commitment and be accountable to someone other than yourself, like a trainer, an outside party or a workout buddy," said Mills.
