Still Making Resolutions? Tips to Make Healthy Habits That Last
Think about what kind of ads you’ve been receiving throughout January; on TV (if you still watch it), between Snapchat stories, and on Spotify (if you don’t pay for premium, which I respect). How many of them were for Planet Fitness? The YMCA? “Alpha males” promising you the body of your dreams if you just swipe up and buy their course?
It’s no myth that the fitness industry advertises itself heavier in the first and second months of the year. They are trying to benefit from New Year’s Resolutions – people want to get in shape, and look, there’s 20% off a membership if they sign up now! And in the end, so many people’s memberships get canceled or unused for months.
I may not be a “gym rat” by any means, but I know that a pricey gym or online course is not a ticket to a fitness-fueled lifestyle. The way to keep yourself consistent is to ditch the “Get in Shape” resolutions, and start with the “Make Healthier Choices,” or “Get Moving More Often.” Below are a few bits of advice for staying in shape in your career at Arcadia.
The Gym is Free!: With previously mentioned courses, alongside expensive multivitamins or supplements, getting in shape can add up in cost. That’s why it’s important to remember that the Kuch Center here at Arcadia is free for all students to use, including both the gym and pool, or even Group X classes for those interested. It can be truly intimidating the first couple of times to enter a gym, but remember, everyone is there to work on their goals – their own goals. Try going in mid-day, even with a friend, and just scope the gym out, seeing what machines are available. YouTube videos and Google searches are your best friend for figuring out a routine, and how to do it with proper weight and form.
Make it a Habit: Work exercise into your life in small ways at a time, rather than one big change of a New Year’s Resolution that is unfortunately not likely to last. Do you drive short distances you could walk instead? Do you and your friends hang out in a single spot when you could take a short walk-and-talk around instead? Are there clubs on campus that promote getting active? Actually, there are…
Find Like-Minded People: There are plenty of places to find friends to keep you on track with your goals at Arcadia. Other than the many sports offered, both varsity as well as intramural (including pickleball, basketball, flag football, etc.), Arcadia has a great Ultimate Frisbee team, active events such as Black-out Volleyball, a Rock Climbing club in the process of getting approved, and more. Even in the Game Room at the Commons, active video games like Just Dance and manual games like Air Hockey keep you moving. And yes, I’m suggesting Air Hockey – it’s all about the small things keeping you towards your goals.
Don’t Beat Yourself Up!: I may not be an expert on fitness, but I do what I can to keep myself and those around me on a good track. I can say with complete confidence that a strict lifestyle is not made with motivation, but rather discipline. It’s not acquired overnight (even in the midst of a new year) and a fit lifestyle is just that, a lifestyle. One night, one week, and one month of not achieving your goals do not make the ordeal a waste; you have all the time in the world to dust yourself off. It’s all about getting inspired to get back on track, and I hope I can inspire even just one reader to do as much.
