There are several components that go into achieving physical goals: saying it, doing it, and sticking with it.
It’s this last part in particular that Executive Director Emily Ranta of the Duluth YMCA gets to help out with at this time of the year. “We’re about a hundred visits up from last year, which is fantastic” says Ranta. Inevitably, those numbers will take a bit of dive as the year progresses and New Year's resolutions fall by the wayside.
In an effort to keep members active and coming back, the YMCA is intentional in their offerings through the first few months of the year. “We do some initiatives,” says Ranta about programs and classes that they incorporate in February and March. "The goal of [classes] is to get people into a habit that they can sustain."
A few things to keep in mind when setting forth with your resolutions...
- Set reasonable goals and keep the focus on healthy living and not so much on the numbers (i.e., weight.)
- Switch it up. If things get boring or if you’re less inclined to do what you’ve been doing, trying something else.
- Don't do it alone. Classes and community can be very helpful for individuals trying to maintain habits.
Ranta has some goals of her own for the 2023 calendar year. "My resolution for this year is to actually do a few more ski race," says Ranta. "I'm someone that needs a goal to work towards."
And why not? Sometimes getting something on the calendar can be a great motivation and something to look forward to.
