New Year’s resolutions – enough said?
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Much of the population makes resolutions, that’s the easy part.
Research shows improving health and wellbeing is the number one resolution people put in place as the clock chimes midnight.
TIPS TO KEEP YOU ACTIVE
Studies have shown that improving your fitness also improves your mood, mentality and not to mention it keeps you in shape.
Stawell Fitness 24-7 personal trainer Jesse Sypott said there are three top tips which come to mind after years of seeing people make resolutions.
“My number one tip would be to take action,” he said.
“If you don’t do anything then your resolution doesn’t mean anything.
“Whatever your goal is – take action. It could be a tiny little step or a bigger one, it doesn’t matter.”
Mr Sypott said the second tip would be to have fun within the environment you are being active in.
“The best way to get results is with consistency,” he said.
“The best way to get consistency is enjoying what you do.
“By creating an atmosphere that’s really fun and everyone is laughing and joking is the biggest key.”
The trainer's third top tip to keep on track with any personal challenge set is to work in increments.
“Rather than saying ‘I am going to never drink alcohol, I’m going to run every day, I’m going to join the gym, I’m going to do this class, I’m going to only eat healthily and cut out everything’ – within two or three weeks people stop,” he said.
“Start with one thing and work on that – once that is nailed, introduce something else.”
IN THE COMMUNITY
Members of the Run Chicks Stawell Running Community Facebook group is actively meeting on various days of the week to enjoy exercise within a supportive environment.
Julz Coates is the founder of the group when she first moved to Stawell.
“I wanted to bring together women in the community of all ages and fitness levels to a supportive group,” she said.
“It’s purposely made as an informal group where nothing is measured, we just get together and enjoy each other’s company.”
Ms Coates said many members of the group use it as a platform to organise catch ups other than the regular weekly catch up.
“We meet on Wednesday nights at 7.30pm at Cato Lake,” she said.
“People can put an hour or so aside in their week to doing something for themselves which will be positive.
“We have people come along who have never run before or runners who incorporate it into their training.
“People walk, run, it doesn’t matter. We are all there to support each other.”
Ms Coates said residents who were interested in meeting up and finding a training buddy were welcome to join the group.
“We are really lucky within Stawell how many options there are around fitness,” she said.
“The group's premise is to be supportive and to connect like-minded people and if the set time doesn’t suit people might be able to find others to join up with at different times.
“We have students, mothers and people who work different hours.
“Members of the group regularly catch up and go to the gym together, or for a hike. It’s a positive and supportive atmosphere.”
FOR THE MIND
Qualified yoga teacher and owner of Grampians Wellbeing Sheree Inglis said it’s more important than ever for people to make sure they are taking time out for themselves to recharge batteries.
“We need to give our busy minds an opportunity to slow down. Yoga can be an amazing outlet for this – it offers physical asanas (yoga poses), as well as pranayama (breathing techniques) and meditation all in the one class,” she said.
“Yoga is not all about the poses, it’s about feeling good from the inside out. This is a big part in helping people stay on track with any resolutions or changes they would like to make.”
Ms Inglis said practising yoga can be used as a tool in everyday life.
“In yoga, we connect with our breath which sounds really simple, but it takes mindfulness and intention to do this,” she said.
“The more we practice this in class, the more students can use the techniques in their everyday lives which can be very powerful in times of anxiety, stress, depression, busyness, etc..”
Ms Inglis said a key to any struggles people might have with change is to be able to take a moment to stop and reset by taking your mind to our breath.
“This can be very helpful to centre and ground people,” she said.
“This can help give mental clarity and focus to deal with whatever we have going on in our lives.”
Ms Inglis said yoga is suited to anyone of any fitness level.
“You do not need to be flexible or have to be able to touch your toes to do yoga – that’s not what it’s about,” she said.
“Classes are catered for students of all levels and every body is different every day so plenty of modifications are available so people are able to go at their own pace.
“Yoga can be as challenging or as easy as you want it to be.”
SOMETHING DIFFERENT
Crush Fitness 24-7 Gym’s owner Damien Smith said if residents are looking for options on where to begin and what to do there are many supportive professionals locally which can be utilised.
“I see people make fitness goals for not only their New Year’s resolutions, but any time,” he said.
“People start fitness journeys and fail to maintain them
“The secret to staying on track is to set small achievable goals.
“Follow a set program with set training days and times, be accountable, stay focused and enjoy the lifestyle change.”
Mr Smith said people use excuses and reasoning with themselves into why they aren't doing things.
"It’s a mental challenge and it can be tough to know where to start,” he said.
“A section of my gym is set up into the ‘good vibrations area’.
“These are vibrating beds that contract your muscles for you without having to lift weights etc and burn loads of calories. These are a perfect start for someone who may have little mobility and older clients.”
Mr Smith’s top tip was to seek help in setting goals.
“Really think why are you setting your goal and use that as motivation,” he said.
“There are many professionals around town which I encourage people to use.
“Nutrition and recovery are the two most important parts of any fitness training.”
HEALTHY EATING
Organisation is a key focus for Organic Strength’s owner Anthea Perry when keeping on track of goals.
Mrs Perry said preparation and meal prepping is the first thing that comes to mind when asked about changing lifestyle habits surrounding food.
“The more organised and prepared you are the better off you will be,” she said.
“I set aside time during the week to plan and prepare and make sure I am set up to make the right choices.
“I always have a big lot of veggies and salad ready to go to have with some protein of choice.
“No matter what is going on I know I can just grab something and I am good to go.”
Mrs Perry said when choosing to change eating habits a focus is to keep it simple.
“Cooking and eating don’t have to be this big event,” she said.
“A lot of people don’t eat the right foods suited to their body and needs. This can make people leave a meal feeling dissatisfied.
Research indicates Australians don’t drink enough water to fuel their body daily.
“Water is the big key and people are more often than not dehydrated,” she said.
“Some people can feel hungry when they could be thirsty.”
Mrs Perry said some other tips not related to food but can have an impact is stress levels and the amount of sleep people are getting.
“Keeping an eye on stress levels and making sure we are doing things to manage those levels is really important,” she said.
“Getting lots of sleep can also help with healthy eating.
“When you are tired you are reaching for those sugars and as we all know what goes up must come down.”
Mrs Perry seeking advice around stress levels and their sleeping habits is an area people should focus on if wanting to make healthier choices leading into the new year.
LOW IMPACT
A lifestyle choice people may make for their New Year’s resolution is around the pool.
Northern Grampians Shire Council’s sports and aquatics team leader Jake Carr said whether it be learning to swim for the first time or get back into the pool to do some training – now is a great time to get started.
“You don’t have to be a fantastic swimmer or even a swimmer at all to get the benefits in the water,” he said.
“For those who don’t know how to swim there are facilities in Stawell where you can walk up and down the pool.
“There is no restriction. Swimming, or getting in the pool, is an exercise anyone can and should do.”
Mr Carr said swimming is also a really good option for people looking at new cardiovascular work out regimes.
“It’s great for your fitness levels and endurance. It can also help with strengthening,” he said.
“If you aren’t a strong swimmer there are options to swim for a lap, walk a lap and build up over time.
“Swimming is a very important life skill to have but it is also a great whole body workout.
Results are a big key to succeeding with resolutions and Mr Carr said building endurance in the pool can be built quickly with a plan in place.
“You can build your lung capacity and performance pretty quick if you stay consistent,” he said.
Mr Carr said the biggest key in any exercise to do is all about having fun and enjoyment.
“Being in the pool can give you a lot of incidental exercise,” he said.
“From throwing balls to walking laps with friends – it’s nice in summer to cool off for some relief while getting some exercise as well.”
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