So it is the New Year…time for a new you and THIS is the year that you are going to get it done! Eating clean, working out and getting a good night’s sleep. You set goals and maybe you have even written them down BUT take a minute a hit pause. Yep, you read that right…take a pause. Let’s take a look at some of the common pitfalls to starting an exercise routine. We want you in the Wellness Center on January 2 but we also want you there in July and September and even December 30!!! (We will give you a Holiday on New Year’s Eve!)

Setting unrealistic expectations

There can be a variety of ways we set our sights too high unrealistic goal such as the number of times you will go to the gym, a weight loss goal that is not safe or realistic or becoming a warrior and showing up at EVERY class on the schedule. After a week or two you are sore and tired and have yet to see any real results.

The best way to avoid this is establish a starting point. You can do a fitness assessment and have our qualified staff help you build expectations you can maintain. Like all good paths, you need to know where you are starting and where you want to go.

Losing your way

Would you head out across country without a GPS or even a paper map? The gym can be a confusing place with tons of turns and options. You need a guidebook! Sometimes losing your way can be described as “tire-kicking”. Trying “this” class or “this” weight machine without any direction. It is like trying to get to California from Indiana and going though Maine. You need a clear direction and goal in mind.

We have staff, from the front desk to exercise specialists to group fitness instructors that want YOU to succeed. You just need to ask for a point in the right direction or even a full color manual. We have the knowledge you need.

Frustration over not losing weight

We track everything…finances, bills, workloads even number of steps we take in day. By beginning to track calories in and out, we can get a better understanding of weight loss but we need to have a real expectation about weight loss and get real with our nutrition. You can not exercise off a bad diet.

We have nutritionists on staff who can guide you and help with meal planning to dietary changes. But we must be real…if we exercise Monday through Friday and burn 500 calories per session, that is 2500 per week or roughly 3 pounds per month. Be patient!

Loss of Motivation

When it comes to gym attendance, there is a noticeable drop out rate around Valentines day…I am not blaming all the chocolate but it sure doesn’t help.

The solution here? Don’t do it…make a commitment to yourself for yourself. If you hit a wall, talk to our staff. If you miss a week, that just means it is time to rededicate yourself and start again. There is an expression said in yoga;  “Fall down eight times and get up nine” You have an unlimited amount of do overs. But you have to take that first step.

The staff and Hancock Wellness is here for you. We want you to succeed. We are waiting for you to succeed. We want to be part of your success. See you at the Wellness Center!!

Greta Wilson, Group Exercise Instructor
Hancock Wellness Center – McCordsville
gwilson2@hancockregional.org