Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
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WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM 18 UCW JANUARY 4 - 10, 2023 A common question after Christmas is about New Year's resolutions. Com- mon resolutions are joining a fitness center, weight loss,or simply wanting to get into shape. Healthy comes in all sizes and shapes and it is unfair to the consum- er to think that you are going to look like the fitness model in commercials and print, or that you will have a flat stomach. However, it is important to know that you are doing something healthy for yourself and are able to continue enjoying an active lifestyle. If you are thinking about a lifestyle change to a healthier you, ask yourself why you are about to make a change and what has brought you to this decision. Is it weight loss, lack of bal- ance, difficulty in getting off the floor, strength training, back hurting, blood pressure, shuffled walking, recovery from illness or injury, or if you feel it is time to do something for yourself? Sometimes people will tell me, "I do not like to exercise, I don't have time to go to the gym, I can exercise at home, I do not like going to the gym or I can't exercise because of." When we are younger, exercise is more about looks and as we age, exer- cise is more about sustainability. I wish there were another word for exercise that brings a positive light instead of drumming yourself into extinction in a gym. Let's remove the word exercise and replace it with well- ness and forget the guidelines with what and how much you should do. When I have a new client my first question is "tell me about yourself and what you like to do." e next question is "tell me about your previous work or injuries." Both of those open-ended ques- tions tell me what will motivate them and the reason they may be experi- encing some difficulty with move- ment or limitations. A person begin- ning a fitness program will respond better if they are doing something that they like. Self-care is the first step in a well- ness program and a valuable gift for yourself. ere is nothing wrong with taking time for yourself and embark- ing on a wellness journey and fitting your workout into your schedule. Continue to give your time for family, friends, obligations, social engage- ments and charitable work, but also recognize that saying "that time is not convenient for me" is a powerful statement for you. ere are a lot of reasons to join a fitness center and, outside of the well- ness benefits, social engagement is just as important. You will make new friends and get to know people that share your interest. You will also find a community that is there for the same reason as you. It can also be beneficial to begin your fitness training with a personal trainer to show you the proper way to perform exercises, reducing the risk of injury and developing a plan to reach your goals. Sometimes, people are hesitant to go to fitness classes or join a gym because they feel uncomfortable with how they look or their ability to be a part of the group or do the exercises. All those feelings are normal but begin to dissipate as you start to see changes in yourself and your confi- dence grows. Live, love life and wellness for you in 2023. CYNTHIA ROSS, Personal Trainer. COMMENTS? Editor@upandcomin- gweekly.com 910-484-6200. A healthier you for 2023 by CYNTHIA ROSS FITNESS A new year can bring new opportunities to begin a fitness regimen as part of a healthier lifestyle. FREE HEALTH CARE • for Eligible uninsured Adults call 910.485.0555