Tips for Sticking to Your New Year’s Fitness Resolution

If you’ve made a New Year’s resolution for 2010, you’re not alone. According to USA.gov, the nation’s official Web portal, losing weight, eating right, smoking cessation and getting in shape rank as the most common New Year’s resolutions made each year by Americans. Unfortunately, few of us manage to keep our hastily-made promises. Research shows that while 40%-50% of adults will make one or more resolutions for themselves this year, only 46% will keep them beyond six months.

While many people who make New Year’s resolutions do break them, research shows that making resolutions is useful. People who set objectives or goals are ten times more likely to attain those goals than people who don't set them. So, what’s the secret to long-term success? Experts recommend these tips for setting realistic expectations and attaining your goals¹:

• Focus on one day at a time and be specific. Instead of promising to “get in shape”, commit to waking up, putting on your tennis shoes and going to the gym.
• Don’t focus on your resolution as an unbreakable promise to yourself, but as a positive statement about possibilities.
• Make your resolution known. When we announce our intentions to others, it can help us stay committed by giving us accountability.
• Make a specific plan that is measurable.

The Healthways SilverSneakers^® Fitness Program is designed exclusively for Medicare-eligible individuals and it makes it easy for older adults to get active and stay that way. SilverSneakers has been proven to reduce healthcare costs by improving the health and well-being of members. It is appropriate for individuals who may not have exercised in years or for those who exercise on a regular basis. With the SilverSneakers premier network, members receive access to more than 9,400 various participating locations throughout the country. Many sites offer the signature SilverSneakers Muscular Strength and Range of Movement class, designed to improve daily living skills. Hand-held weights, elastic tubing with handles, and a ball are offered for resistance, and a chair may be used for seated and/or standing support. Some sites also offer additional signature classes, such as YogaStretch and SilverSplash^®. Amenities and class times vary by location.

To find out if you are eligible for SilverSneakers, please contact your health plan or stop by a participating location. For more information on the program, call toll-free 1.888.423.4632 or visit www.silversneakers.com.