You At Your Best

sPECial To you aT your BEsT Each January, individuals make New Year's resolutions that focus on getting fit. Soon afterwards, the phones at area gyms start ringing off the hook with men and women looking to become new members. In fact, according to IHRSA, The Global Health & Fitness Association, 12 percent of all new gym memberships begin in January. Gyms are not one-size-fits-all organizations. Gyms that appeal to some might not appeal to others. The following are some features to consider when looking for a new gym. • Cost: IHRSA says 46 percent of former gym members claimed the reason they quit was due to cost. Finding an affordable center is a top priority for many people. The good news is many gyms market themselves as low-cost options with low monthly fees with minimal annual add-on costs. • Specialized programs: Some fitness centers focus on specific workout regimens, such as crossfit facilities. If a certain style of workout is compelling you to get in shape, research gyms that specialize in that program. • Atmosphere: Two gyms may have the same equipment and group classes but may give off completely different vibes. Individuals should take tours to assess who is visiting the gym and what kind of atmosphere exists inside it. The goal is to find a comfortable, encouraging environment with like-minded people that will keep you going back. • Hours of operation: A center that has flexible hours is important for people balancing careers, families and school schedules. Planet Fitness suggests asking about the general hours of the gym; when trainers are available; whether certain sections of the gym or amenities close at certain times; and when classes are offered. • Guest privileges: Working out with a friend or family member can provide the healthy level of competition needed to keep workouts going. Ask about family membership discounts as well. • Equipment: Equipment is an important consideration as well. Visit each gym you're considering to determine if equipment is modern, well-maintained and clean. Gyms that have several broken down treadmills or outdated strength training equipment may not be worth the membership fee. Determine which equipment is included in the cost of membership as well. Cardio machines, free weights, stretching areas, weight machines, and changing rooms are desirable among many gym members. The right facility can make all the difference and help people achieve their fitness goals. Find your perfect fitness center By KarEn riCE you aT your BEsT Finding a new hobby is often on New Year's resolution lists. While one of the main reasons to take up a new hobby is to have fun, the benefits do not stop there. Resolving to start a hobby can actually be a boost to your overall health and happiness. According to Psychology Today, hobbies help structure time; promote flow, a sort of meditative state; foster new social connections; and give people interesting traits and things to talk about. A study at San Francisco State University found that employees who had creative outlets outside of the office were better at creative problem-solving on the job as well. Here are some of the ways hobbies help: • Improve physical well-being: Physical hobbies, such as swimming, running, martial arts, or hiking, increase heart rate and improve brain function. That can lead to myriad health benefits, such as weight loss and a lower risk for disease. • Improve mental well-being: Hobbies can help relieve stress and take your mind off of pressing issues. This may help with anxiety or depression as well. • Break monotony: Engaging in an enjoyable activity may break the pattern of daily schedules that focus on low value activities. Changing things up can increase happiness and satisfaction with life by adding an interesting spark to some days. • Offer new challenges: Work can be challenging. However, the challenges posed by hobbies get people out of their comfort zones in ways that differ from challenging work projects. Overcoming these challenges can boost self-esteem, which can translate to one's professional life as well. • Explore talents: You may never know what you are capable of accomplishing if you never give new activities a try. You may be surprised to learn how well you adapt to a new skill. Self-discovery is important at any stage of life. Finding a new hobby If you're looking to add a new hobby to your life, here are some tips: Consider cost Consider financial constraints or even the potential to make money when seeking new hobbies. For example a person who likes to fish may want to expand that hobby by buying a boat and selling deep-water fishing trips. But remember to consider factors like the cost of the vessel, fuel, licensing fees, and fishing bait/supplies, among others. Learning to play an instrument involves the rental or purchase of an instrument and possibly a tutor. Consider what you can or cannot afford to avoid adding stress to your relaxing new pursuit. Explore goals Think about what you want to get out of a hobby. Do you want to get in shape or learn new skills? Maybe you simply want to make friends, which is possible with any joint activity. Take time into account Determine how much time your need to pursue a given hobby and then consider if your have the time to do so. Some hobbies can start to feel like second jobs if they consume too much of your free time. Carefully consider the overall time commitment you're willing to make to a hobby. Inventory your interests No one should take up a hobby just for the sake of having something to do. Carefully consider any and all interests, then pursue things that align with your interests. A person enamored with animals may want to join a birdwatching club. Someone who is an avid baker may want to push that interest to another level by taking a cake decorating class. Hobbies are worthwhile endeavors that can expand knowledge, build new friendships and even boost your health and happiness. The health-giving benefits of hobbies sunday, dECEmBEr 26, 2021 | January - Goals for Great Health youaTyourBEsT.nwaonlinE.Com | you aT your BEsT | 5

• Cover