Sticking to your New Year's resolution

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class Franklin Ramos
  • 97th Air Mobility Wing
ALTUS AIR FORCE BASE, Okla. --  New Year's Day is the time when people look back at the past year and create resolutions for the upcoming year. Some want to get in shape for the new year and then find that they are not motivated enough to do so.

Some people set unattainable goals for themselves which contributes to them being unsuccessful. The solution to conquering a New Year's resolution can be easier by setting short term goals.

If a goal is to increase fitness, start with a small goal and find someone to work out with that will help maintain motivation.

"People don't stick with their goals. A lot of people get passionate and want to succeed but don't stick to the program they initially setup," said Jeremy Stevens, 97th Force Support Squadron fitness and sports manager at the base Fitness Center.

If a person cannot find an accountable partner, a different option may be joining a program with other already active members that can help maintain their New Year's resolution.

"The fitness center and the Health and Wellness Center are working together on two programs. We have our Biggest Loser contest, which runs from Jan. 3 until May 9." said Stevens. "The HAWC also has a Hiking Arizona Trail program that offers nutritional information to help assist people in losing weight and gives them a better idea of what their diet needs to be."

Finally having a weekly workout schedule can help motivation levels stay high.

"A good average for exercise is four days a week for about 45 minutes to one hour," said Lena Moreau, fitness and sports assistant manager at the base Fitness Center.

There are many positive outcomes from working out.

"Working out keeps you in shape, promotes a healthier lifestyle as you get older, increases flexibility, range of motion, strength, bone mass, and decreases blood pressure," said Moreau. "We only get one body and we want it to function until the day we're gone."

Trying to change a habit and create a new one can take some time, but using small obtainable goals can make your New Year's resolution stick for 30 days, by making small goals stick, there is a big chance larger New Year's resolution will be in your routine for life.