YMCA resolves to help New Year’s resolutions
- Heart of the Valley YMCA employees can help with those New Year’s resolution that are hard to reach. CONTRIBUTED
MADISON COUNTY – With renewed commitment for the New Year, Heart of the Valley YMCA has resolved to help Madison County residents successfully reach New Year’s resolutions.
“Each year, millions of Americans turn the calendar to the New Year and make resolutions. But without managing these goals by breaking them into smaller milestones, it can be easy to lose momentum,” director of communications Mary Anne Swanstrom said.
According to a YMCA survey, less than 25 percent of respondents kept their resolutions for a year. About 71 percent of people tried but fell short of their goals. Another 40 percent confessed of giving up within the first few months, even weeks, Swanstrom said.
“The Y is also offering unprecedented savings to new members as an encouragement,” Swanstrom said. “Try the Y Advantage and save 25 percent off membership fees all year when you join by Jan. 16. Plus, the Y will waive all join fees and provide a free wellness orientation.”
“Losing weight is too broad a goal to start with,” Sharon Allen said. Allen is Director of Fitness and Corporate Wellness at Southeast Family YMCA. “Reframe your big resolution into something achievable.”
For example, instead of making a resolution to ‘lose weight,’ individuals can resolve to incorporate fruits and vegetables into at least two meals a day, Allen said.
“Instead of giving up TV shows or surfing the web in the evening, resolve to give back as a volunteer in your community one night a week or take a walk with the family,” Swanstrom said.
“Rather than thinking about what you’re losing, think about what you’re gaining. This can make a resolution feel more positive and therefore more achievable,” Allen said.
“Break those big resolutions into small, achievable goals. Instead of cutting chocolate out of your diet for good, vow to only have it two times a week,” Swanstrom said.
For more information, visit ymcahuntsville.org or call Hogan Family YMCA at 256-705-9622.
