Getting in shape, working on your fitness goal: why the time is NOW!

There are less than 30 days left in 2010 which means it's almost time for folks to begin making New Year's Resolutions. One of the top ones every year is to lose weight, get in better shape, etc. During the first of the year, gyms, fitness centers, and YMCAs around the country are flooded with folks purchasing memberships and joining to work towards their goals. Many of these folks don't last till March. They simply get caught up in the craze and may not have definite fitness goals and motivation, outside of a brand new year. I refer to these types of folks in another blog as "Holiday Hoppers".

My thing is if you want to get into better shape or if you have a different goal, the time is NOW, or even earlier in the year. I personally like to start my new fitness goals around September or October. Many folks say they do not want to try and lose weight during Thanksgiving and Christmas Holidays. They feel it defeats the purpose and they want to start anew during January.

I'm a self-proclaimed "gym-rat", working out 4-5 times/week for at least an hour per session (as I've explained in previous blogs). I've been working out for a long time, have had success losing weight, and even giving advice on how to lose weight using traditional tried-and-true methods. It does seem easier to start in January but it really isn't. Between September-December (now), the gyms are actually not as full, not even during the beginning of the week. Come January, you will have nearly every treadmill, bike, ellipitical and weight bench full during many hours, and especially in the afternoons when the larger crowds are present. It's harder in my mind to get into shape and maintain when you can't work out on what you want to, or what you feel really comfortable on.

Also, you get a head-start and you begin to develop a plan for yourself, what works for you, what doesn't. If you're taking a fitness class or you've hired a trainer, you've also had ample time to see how the class is going to work out, and if the trainer/instructor gives you what you're looking for. Think of the final few months of the year as your jump-off point. Then come January 2nd, hit the ground running full blast. It's even possible to lose weight during the holidays, so you can already have momentum and your metabolism flowing, making it easier to reach your New Year's Resolutions. You will then be less likely to drop out of the gym.

I know all too well how hard it is to stick to a diet during the holiday season and even to have time to workout with extra vacation time with family, Christmas shopping, etc. You could just start out very slowly, with a couple of times/week for about 30 minutes/day. Plus, reserve your holiday eating for the ACTUAL holidays and weekends. I've mentioned before this are ideal free days, or "cheat days".

Most importantly, it's crucial to have the right mindset going into achieving your goals. Make sure you're really doing this for yourself. You may want to improve your look, or even your health. However, one must REALLY make sure they want it, or they will not stick with it. It's a tough and a long process. It's easier with a defined goal and a step-by-step, simple plan.

I think it's great people are thinking about their health since the USA is the most obese country in the world. The intentions are there and are great. Now they just need to be timely and more thought out so that long-term results can be gained. And if I can help in that matter in any way, I certainly will. Keep reading guys!

ZUMBA: One of the newest fitness crazes

I gotta admit, I'm a fitness buff, enthusiast and a gym rat. However, I've never gotten much into dancing, salsa or the like. I will, however, try anything that will help keep me in shape, improve my form and coordination, and just give me a good workout period.

A year and a half ago, a classmate of mine kept speaking of this ZUMBA class she teaches at the Y in Rock Hill. I asked her if I could come to one of these classes one Saturday since my gym (Your Best Body Fitness Center and Day Spa in Gaffney) didn't have them at the time. She said yes. When I saw some ZUMBA videos on YouTube, I was intimidated and concerned that I wouldn't be able to keep up and may even get worn out. That was definitely not the case. One of the big slogans of ZUMBA is that it is "one big party". And that it is. It's a lot of fun, and arguably one of the more exciting ways to mix fitness, fun, and great music since Richard Simmons and "Sweatin to the Oldies".

I immediately went to David and Lisa Fink at YBB and asked them when would we be able to get ZUMBA at our gym. Lisa said they would work on it. Well, a year and a half later, it FINALLY happened. There are now 4 ZUMBA classes going on at YBB, and everyone is having a good time, even the few guys that decide to show up.

I attend 2 classes/week myself because it is good, fun fitness, plus the instructors, Carrie and Alleigh, each add their own style and personality to make it great. Carrie's a more traditional ZUMBA instructor, does a lot of the salsa, and is more step by step with her instructions. Alleigh mixes ZUMBA with some fast-paced, dancing moves and even some cheerleader dances, techniques and spins. It sounds intimidating and metrosexual, but trust me, it's a good workout.

I have REALLY improved my coordination, balance, and mobility in the past month. I'm still not a dancer persay, but again that's not the purpose of ZUMBA. The purpose is to get you moving to the music in a coordinated but fun and relaxed way.

The folks at YBB are really riding the ZUMBA wave currently. The classes average about 25-30, even on Wednesdays, and that's one of the slowest periods in the gym due to it being church night. It's a new craze not only for Gaffney, SC but for America. I don't see it slowing down anytime soon either.

Carrie and Alleigh are keeping the routines and music fresh though, as folks will catch on very quickly to most any fitness routine. I believe I will recommend "All Night Long" by Lionel Richie and "Caribbean Queen" by Billy Ocean. I could see some good ZUMBA routines coregraphed from those songs.

I encourage anyone to contact your local gym and/or YMCA to see about getting into a ZUMBA class. It really is fun, a good workout, and it's cool to be able to move your body well, especially for your overall health and wellness. Join the craze and don't judge or knock it till you've tried it!