Thursday, December 30, 2010

New habits for the new year

I'm ready to get back in shape.

For me, this is about more than losing a few pounds. I want to establish good habits now, while I am young, become stronger, and find ways to eat better.

In 2005, I wanted to lose weight, and, after finishing school and settling into a new job, I finally had the time and resources to go for it.

I started off slowly, changing what I ate and adding exercise a few days a week. I knew I needed help at first so I followed a weight loss plan and joined a gym. I wasn’t sure it would actually work, but I knew I needed to do something differently.

After a year of eating better and exercising, I had lost nearly 50 pounds. Then I went to graduate school and had less time to work out. I gained a little and vowed to deal with it after graduation. Now I hope to tackle it in the new year.

Along the way I want to learn how to maintain a healthy weight and find answers to any questions you might have. I’m looking for fun ways to stay fit. I hope you’ll join me.

-- Elizabeth Templin McCamic

Join a gym … but don't go in January

If you're thinking of joinging a gym as part of your quest, now's the time: many gyms offer reduced or free joining fees in January.

Do sign up if you're thinking about it. But don't go to the gym right away.

Experienced gym rats will tell you that the first two weeks of the year are overloaded with people working off their New Year's resolutions. Unless you've bought an off-peak membership and can go mid-afternoon or late evening, wait a few weeks and avoid the crush.

If you have a friend with a membership at a YMCA, get her to give you a referral, and she'll get a free month herself. Ask other gyms about their deals and policies - you want to choose one that's near your house or job or on your route.

Drop me a note if you want help navigating the Dowd Y.

-- Ellyn Ritterskamp
eritterskamp@charlotteobserver.com