How to make New Year's workout resolutions stick
To motivate herself to work out regularly, Judy Petersen maintains a simple philosophy.
"If you don't move it, you lose it," said Petersen, 62. She tries to exercise at least four times a week. The hardest part is getting off the couch and out the door.
"It helps to work out with a friend," she said.
Similar to many, Petersen finds the new year to be an ideal time to evaluate fitness goals. Typically, the number of fitness center memberships purchased or renewed in the Schaumburg Park District doubles between October and January.
Fitness memberships are available at the Community Recreation Center, 505 N. Springinsguth Road, Meineke Recreation Center, 220 E. Weathersfield Way, and Schaumburg Tennis Plus, 1416 N. Payne Road.
"People use the new year as a way to start fresh and be healthy, whether it's by losing weight, increasing cardio or forming healthier habits," said Kristy McCann, Community Recreation Center manager.
But registering for a fitness membership is the easy part. The real challenge is incorporating exercise into your daily life. Meeting with a personal trainer is a great place to start. The district's seven trainers offer private and semiprivate sessions.
"Working with a trainer is one of the best ways to stay motivated," said Alyssa Danca, fitness supervisor. "They will tailor a program to your individual needs."
Another way to help those New Year's resolutions stick is to make exercise a habit.
"Build it into your schedule," Danca said. "If you work out first thing in the morning, you're less likely to have other things pop up during the day that might interfere with exercising. Studies have shown people who work out first thing in the morning are more likely to stick with it. Pick a class and put it on your calendar."
For Erika Bromley, time and patience are the biggest obstacles to keeping up with a regular workout routine.
"I work full time and have young children, so I exercise so sporadically," said Bromley, 36, of Schaumburg. "It's mostly because of my busy schedule, but also because I'd rather be doing something else."
Classes in the new wellness studio at the Community Recreation Center are Bromley's go-to choice for staying active. She's hoping to attend more fitness classes in 2016.
"For someone like me, who doesn't enjoy working out, the classes go by very quickly," said Bromley, who recently sampled a Zumba class during the district's Holiday Jams program with her mom, Rosalee Mueller.
Fitness instructor Eileen Terrell recommends working out with a friend or relative to stay motivated and accountable.
"Part of it is finding a buddy," she said. "Attend group fitness classes. You'll get to know people and make new friends."
To help start 2016 off right, the Schaumburg Park District is offering specials on classes, personal training sessions and memberships. For information, call (847) 490-7015 or visit www.parkfun.com/facilities/membership-information.