A Healthy Start

It is a new year, a time of endless possibilities, new beginnings and big dreams. Embarking on a new year can give anyone the burst of confidence needed to make this year the year for change. Losing weight is one of the most common resolutions made and broken. Senior reporter, Izzy Durham, gives you tips for success on working out and staying healthy.
Set Realistic Goals. Setting a goal to lose one hundred pounds by the end of the year can make anyone stressed out. It’s unrealistic plans like these that cause people to give up on their goal before they even get started. Instead of setting a goal to lose a certain amount of weight, you should pledge to do some sort of physical activity everyday. Making simple plans like this will allow you to stay on task without stressing out over a deadline.
Stay Motivated. Finding the time to exercise can be difficult, not to mention the fact that most people would rather be sitting on the couch instead of being active. One option to avoid such lazy behavior is by working out with a friend. Having someone there can be the best support because you can encourage each other to finish strong on any workout.
Make Exercise Fun. Instead of going to the gym and doing machines for an hour, take a class such Zumba, Hip-Hop, or Pilates at our local YMCA. These are fun classes that will not only get your heart pumping, but will bring a good laugh. These classes are offered a variety of days and times, so it will be easy to fit a class into your busy schedule. If you don’t have a membership to the local gym, there are many videos that you can buy or even rent. Family Video in Springfield offers workout videos for a rental fee of $1. The great thing about workout videos is that you can stay in the comfort of your own home.
Keep It Simple. Everyday activities can contribute to your goal. Going to the mall? Instead of parking near the entrance, park further away and walk those extra steps. Also, take the stairs whenever possible. Between your favorite television shows, do a couple reps of lunges. Each of these actions will take only a few minutes, but will make a difference if they become part of your routine.
Eat Healthy. Working out is a positive that can easily be canceled out with the negative of eating unhealthy foods. At school, try to avoid the junk food in vending machines by having a healthy snack in your purse or backpack. You can also control the portions size of your lunch by bringing one form home.
Although results may not show after your first week of getting healthy, your attitude and wellness are sure to improve. The process of cutting back on bad habits can be frustrating, but having a support group around you can be empowering. When trying to stick to a health plan, work at your own rate because the end goal is for a healthy and overall better you.

Izzy Durham
-The Cardinal