Wednesday, January 5, 2011

The Magic of a New Year! (Group Fitness Schedule Attached)


Happy 2011. I hope you enjoyed a warm, festive holiday season with lots of family, friends and good health, of course.

As much fun as it was, I get excited for the "normal" routine of life to eek it's way back in... In fact, I love January! It's a time for hope, a time for action, a time for plans. (Not necessarily in that order.)

But there is something magical in a new calendar.

*Speaking of a calendar, I am posting my fitness class schedule at the end of the newsletter.

What is your hope for 2011?


There are lots of good things to hope for--some of the best things to hope for are intangible.

For many, health is the hope of the New Year...

For some, weight loss is the goal. Maybe it's just to lose a pants size. Or maybe it's more serious--to reduce joint stress and reduce the chances or surgery. Some are hoping to lose weight and get better control with blood sugar disorders.

For others, it's to reduce stress. Stress has a way of knocking out energy and creating physical havoc in our stomachs, intestines, our skin...

And yet, for some, nutrition is the year's major concern. Bad nutritional habits take a toll on the body, regardless of body size, shape or weight.

No matter your health-focused resolution, let me sell you on making goals. And not just making them, but planning for them.

"Fail to plan and plan to fail."


If you really want something. You have to plan for it. It doesn't have to be a perfect plan. But you have to make a plan. Nothing elaborate. Just some simple steps to climb your way to success.

For example, 10 minutes each week consider how you can find more time to cook or reduce temptations to eat out or order take out. Maybe build in more time for grocery shopping too--read the labels and see what you're filling your cupboard with.

If fitness and stress is a concern, treat it like you do business or family appointments--pencil it in. Your health is important.

Need to lose weight?

You might find that fitting in exercise is a lot easier than severely restriction calories and fat.

You may also find that doing it alone is 10x harder than joining a support group or buddy-ing up with another like-minded friend for accountability.

Consider the options and take action. Don't just torture yourself with "I should" statements...

Need to reduce stress?


There are lots of action points. If you don't exercise, engaging in physical activity will help you reduce your stress, help you sleep better at night and keep a more clear, positive outlook.

Other things to do are meditation, taking 5 minute joy breaks refresh and refocus--maybe even give yourself a little attitude check.

Taking care of your body by stretching, re-hydrating with water and refueling with clean energy takes a great deal of edge off your stress.

Implement a stress-reducing action each day.

Need to eat healthier?


Many times, people take one large goal and put it into motion all at once.

Yes, it's great to have determination, but don't set yourself up for failure. Dietary changes are hard. They're hard on tastebuds, cooking habits and comfort-related rituals.

Consider making baby steps and incorporating once healthy dietary change per week, growing it and growing it. If you regress, who cares! You can start over, it's no big deal.

Also consider rubbing shoulders with health-minded people. The peer pressure is great.

Need to get more physical activity?

Get moving. It only takes one intense 10-minute activity. 10-minutes. Did you know that?

That's an easy starting point. But if you're ready for the next level, you've got many options: joining a gym, joining group fitness ops, taking on a 5K or marathon or hiring a personal trainer.
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I've got a schedule full of body sculpting classes, kickboxing and some general outdoor fitness fun.

Body Toning classes are held Monday through Friday at Muskegon Height's Karate Academy, 32 E. Broadway.

Mon/Wed/Fri at 10:30 to 11:30 am
Tues/Thurs at 9:00 to 10:00 am

*Great for getting firm and shaping up the Christmas cookie jiggle?

Need an intense, butt-kicking, butt-lifting cardio and strength increasing activity?

Kickboxing classes are held Monday through Thursday and Saturdays at Muskegon Height's Karate Academy, 32 E. Broadway.

Monday - Thursday at 4:30 to 5:30 pm
Saturday at 9:00 to 10:00 am

*There's really nothing like it. If you've seen the pictures, it may look a little crazy, but if you try it you'll find it's just crazy FUN. And when was the last time you did something just for fun?

Want a dose of fresh air, Vitamin D and some good old-fashioned exercise?

Outdoor fitness classes are held every Saturday at Lake Harbor Park, Norton Shores.

Saturday at 10:30 to 11:30 am


May the magic of January keep your resolve all year long. Change is worth it. Health is worth it!