How to stay on top of New Year resolutions

ZANESVILLE, Ohio- It’s New Year Day and along with it comes New Year resolutions.

One of the most common New Year resolutions is to get healthy and into shape. Exercise Specialist, Mark Paxton said a way to burn some of the extra pounds gained during the holidays is by committing to a specific workout plan.

“So the biggest thing to do to help with the new year is to commit to a specific exercise plan. Whether that coming up here with a friend or a family member, someone to help you work out. It’s good to work out with a partner. Having a specific set goal in mind,” said Paxton. “A short term goal as well as a long term goal. Whether it’s a nutritional goal or an exercise goal having those goals printed out for you and kind of re-assessing those every so often.”

Paxton said the problem many people have after they make a New Year resolution is sticking to it after that initial boost. A key is keeping yourself motivated and making going to the gym part of your routine.

“The best thing you can do is to go ahead and commit to a specific amount of days per week. So, 3-5 days per week for exercise is recommended. Especially for people that are beginning. Come to the rec center 3 to 5 days a week to start the new year,” said Paxton. “Have a specific exercise plan in mind, specific goal. And just reevaluate that every week to two weeks, kind of see where you are at. Set those short term goals to help you reach your long term goal.

Paxton said another way to stay motivated is to compete against other people. The Muskingum Recreation Center will have a “Thinner Winner” challenge starting January 7th.