Experts Share Advice On Keeping New Year's Health Resolutions
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- As we all know, keeping New Year's resolutions tends to be a challenge for many.
As CBS2's Meg Baker reported, the University of Pennsylvania said after one week, 75 percent of us are still on track, but six months later, that figure drops to 40 percent.
But experts said there are ways to make the pledge last when it comes to getting fit and healthy and changing one's lifestyle.
"Everyone has different goals," said Lisa Wheeler, vice president of fitness programming at Daily Burn. "Sometimes, it's: 'Can I fit into my pair of jeans? I want to play better with kids. I want to do a race.' You need to determine what your goal is, not somebody else's."
With that in mind, Wheeler said people should set attainable goals. Going from the couch to a 5k run may be realistic, but going straight to a marathon may not be.
"Slow and steady," Wheeler said. "Start with just simply walking. You can do that anywhere, anytime, any place – at the office, at home, dropping kids off at school."
Experts said you should start a new habit, and all it takes is 30 minutes a day to begin a health journey.
With the initial rush to get fit, a lot of people jump into gym memberships. Experts advise that it is best to test a membership out first to ensure you like it, or else you might end up getting trapped into a lengthy contact.
"Most gyms offer a shorter-term option – like a month or something like that," said Jordan Goodman, America's Money Answer's Man. "They're going to push you for a year, because by February maybe, that New Year's enthusiasm will have faded."
But if you make it over the hump, experts advise that you commit for a year or more, as it will save money in the long term.
The Better Business Bureau also had a reminder that if a gym membership renews automatically, under New York State law, you may cancel your contract without penalty within three days from the day you signed it.
Also important is being mindful of diet.
"Nutrition and intake are paramount to your success," said Gordon Cogan, Tier 4 coach at Equinox.
Cogan advised cutting out junk food and eating simple – fruits, vegetables and protein.
Both fitness gurus said most importantly, don't be too tough on yourself. Reward yourself, be proud, and move forward.
