New Year, new habits: moving fitness beyond the gym

By Cara Pridemore

As the new year approaches, many Clintonians set out to accomplish their health goals; however, true fitness takes time and goes beyond a gym membership. Kooper Davis, director of operations for the Metropolitan YMCAs of Mississippi, Faith Martin, the director of outreach and development at Clinton’s YMCA branch, and Sarrah Cronin, a fitness instructor and personal trainer at Clinton’s YMCA branch, recently weighed in on how Clinton can avoid some common misconceptions about fitness and become truly healthy.

“The Gym is the Answer to Everything”
“We do see a big spike in membership come January and February,” Davis said. “You’re always going to have the big spike, and you’re always going to have a drop from that spike a couple of months down the road, once people aren’t living that New Year’s resolution anymore.”

At the beginning of the year, Davis, Martin and Cronin see many people come in with a variety of massive health goals.

“Most people want it fast,” Martin said. “They come in here, and they want all these things to happen overnight.”

A healthy lifestyle, though, requires healthy habits, which take time to form.

“Fitness is not a race, a ‘one-and-done’ at the beginning of the year,” Cronin said. “It’s a journey, and you have to find what makes you happy and brings you back.”

She points to community and accountability as key factors in a healthy, goal-driven lifestyle. With a supportive network, she says people can pursue their goals in the gym regardless of age, ability or experience.

“Connection with the members [is important], where we try to keep them accountable and a part of the community,” Cronin said. “When they become part of the community, they, in turn, hold each other accountable to be at the gym, to be a friend to others. It’s always a positive reinforcement.”

As a personal trainer, Cronin also sees how connection helps with confidence. Newcomers often go to cardio room, because they are afraid to try the equipment.

“I come and explain and show them how to use the equipment so that they’re not going to injure themselves,” Cronin said. “That has value, and people are more autonomous in how they train.”

Incorporating variety into workouts helps keep clients motivated.

“I Want to See Big Changes”
Cronin also notes the importance of setting realistic exercise goals.

“Goals must be achievable,” Cronin said. “What we do is we see where they’re at, discuss what their goals are, and set some goals.”

New Years’ resolutions often fade when people don’t see the progress they expect as quickly as they hoped; but setting realistic, attainable goals keeps people encouraged and motivated. Having a big, overall goal is valuable, Cronin says, but breaking it down into weekly and monthly milestones can boost motivation.

“Personally, it’s so rewarding for me when I see certain clients meeting goals and seeing weight loss,” Cronin said. “We’re seeing strength, and they can also see it, and other people are noticing the changes that they’re making. I love seeing people meet their goals and feel confident in themselves.”

“Workouts Are the Way”
Davis, Martin and Cronin all stress that fitness goals should extend beyond exercise to holistic lifestyle goals.

“It’s about changing your habits – your eating habits and how you look at fitness – not trying to come in and do everything, but [rather] having small, obtainable goals,” Martin said.

The YMCA hosts a variety of seminars throughout the year to teach people how to eat better and build small, sustainable habits that go beyond gym workouts.

“We practice the holistic approach, and we try to promote wellness within the entire being of that person,” Davis said.

Whether this means parking on the far side of the parking lot, taking the stairs, or limiting oneself to one sugary snack a week, Davis says there are many small steps people can take to improve their quality of life.

“Most Americans have desk jobs, and they’re sitting for most of the day,” Cronin said. “How can we get up and get moving throughout the day?”

Exercise is just the tip of the iceberg. Just as weight gain happens gradually through poor diet and exercise habits, losing weight requires a slow, intentional process of rewiring the brain and reshaping daily routines.

A Healthier Clinton
Going into the new year, Davis, Martin and Cronin all agree that a healthier Clinton is an active Clinton. While they invite residents to explore the YMCA, they point out that a healthier lifestyle can also begin independently without a gym.

“Wellness isn’t about comparison,” Cronin said. “It’s about progress. Everyone’s starting at a different point, but making a healthy choice a day adds up.”

Martin encourages small habits, such as walking around the porch during phone calls or standing at a desk, as physical health brings mental clarity.

“You can’t go wrong with living a healthier lifestyle,” Davis said. “Take it one day at a time. Start small – but start now.”