Make positive health changes one step at a time

by Christopher B. Robrahn
Fitness Columnist

Happy New Year to all! I hope your New Year brings health and happiness.   

However, I don’t think a “New Year’s Resolution” should be a part of the process. Most resolutions are history soon after they are made. According to U.S. News and World Report, approximately 80 percent of resolutions fail by the second week of February, so the odds are against you.

According to the Nielsen surveys, “staying fit and healthy,” is the number one resolution people make.

Nielsen reports, as it turns out, old habits die hard. Americans say they’re just as committed to getting fit this year as they ever were. Health and wellness are top priorities for U.S. consumers as January takes hold.

Data from a 2015 Nielsen survey highlight how “staying fit and healthy” is our top resolution, coming in at 37 percent, followed closely by “lose weight” at 32 percent. And based on the survey results, just a handful of us are throwing in the towel and not making any resolutions; about 16 percent, but I’d say that’s up from 2015.

Here’s why we fail at most resolutions. They are too vague, broad and not attainable. Real goals should be articulated, attainable and measurable.

If you want to incorporate simple health changes in your life, like fitness, starting January 1 isn’t the best time.

Why? With a new year, other aspects of our lives are also a point of focus. New tax year, some schools start a new semester and a new focus on school and other activities with a new year. Also, it’s winter is here in the northern hemisphere and sunlight is limited.

And the gyms are naturally full…with all the people who made those resolutions.

The topic of resolutions came up with a recent production and interview of the fitness show I host called the Spirit of Fitness. The guest, a department chair at Wichita State University, stressed the need to literally, “take one step at a time.” He stressed the need to choose something simple that fits with one’s schedule and set a time that naturally lends itself to success.    

Achievement begets more and to bite off too much can sink the whole effort.

You notice I talk about improving health. If you are someone that rarely sees a doctor, or maybe you don’t even have a doctor, take some time and visit several and take the initiative to get a check-up once or twice a year. Nothing is worse than not knowing your health situation, and the doctor can talk about your need for activity and exercise.

The new year is here. One other thing you can do for yourself is to open your mind to the idea that you can change if you want to. The world is at your feet; your destiny is ahead of you. 

Ask yourself, “what can I do right now to improve my health?” Think about it…and have a great 2019!

Copyright The Gayly – January 1, 2019 @ 7 a.m. CST.