When I was a reporter for Delta TV, my first assignment after the Christmas holidays was to interview people about the most popular New Year’s resolution: getting into shape.
My cameraman Justin and I climbed the stairs to the weight room at the Ladner Leisure Centre and entered a world of sweaty passion. Buff men and women ran on treadmills, stair climbed on the elliptical and performed perfect squats.
They were impressive and very intimidating.
Justin turned the camera to an elderly gentleman who was pumping iron in the corner. I asked him about fitness resolutions and wow did I get an earfull. He flew into a rant about broken promises.
“I see it every January, the gym is full of new people, they come a few times a week and work out and then by February you never see them again,” he grumbled. “There’s a core group of us who are committed to working out and our group doesn’t grow much, it’s disappointing.”
He stared into the camera, “Come out and join us and stick with it, your body will thank you.”
I’ve thought about that man’s words many times. He’s right, most of us don’t follow through on New Year’s promises to get fit and lose the inches. All year long I struggle to stay disciplined in my fitness commitment and have a plethora of excuses not to workout.
Statistics tell us 80 per cent of the people who make New Year’s resolutions fail, and only eight per cent stick to them. If getting into shape and losing weight is the number one resolution, then the chances of 2018 being a healthier year are slim.
We have no excuses in South Delta. We have some of the best instructors and facilities in the Lower Mainland. From aqua fitness to yoga, we have it all, day and night, seven days a week.
My fitness inspiration comes from two places. My mother is 80 and my step-father is 86 and they exercise three mornings a week in a local gym. They are relatively new to working out but believe exercise will keep them healthy as they age. They rock, and I am so impressed with their commitment.
I am also inspired by the men and women I exercise with at Winksill Park’s fitness classes. Most of them are older than me and yet they can lift some serious weight. Friendships have developed and there’s a lot of laughter along with the moans and groans.
Our enthusiastic instructor Linda motivates and encourages me, but ultimately it’s my responsibility to make working out a priority. Mental discipline is key, showing up is the hard part, exercising is the easy part.
Try to commit to your New Year’s resolutions no matter how small they may be. You’ve chosen them for a reason, so just take it one step at a time.
Ingrid Abbott is a broadcaster and writer who doesn’t make New Year’s resolutions because she is constantly trying to do better no matter the time of the year.
