There’s still time to rescue that resolution
The holidays may be a distant memory, but across the nation, people are haunted by their broken New Year’s resolutions. Tops among those goals are losing weight and getting in shape. Unrealized fitness resolutions cause frustration, regret and discouragement for many who really do want a healthier, fit lifestyle.
“There’s nothing wrong with resolving to get fit, but so many resolutions fail because they approach fitness in the wrong way,†says Jeff Fliehs, director, Life Time Fitness personal training. “Any time is a good time to get started on a fitness program; don’t be discouraged if you haven’t started the year off just the way you’d hoped.â€
Fliehs shares Life Time Fitness’ tips for rescuing your fitness resolution:
1. Relax. Remember that fitness is a continuous pursuit. You have the rest of your life to improve it -- not just this winter or before swimsuit season starts. The goal is to improve a little bit every day, not to go from couch potato to triathelete in three weeks. Don’t put too much pressure on yourself or you’ll set yourself up for frustration and failure.
2. Research. Give some forethought to your fitness approach. Many fling themselves into running or working with equipment without thinking if they really like it. Find something you like to do, because you’re much more likely to stick with it if you do. And collect information about your body -- things like weight, pulse rate, body fat content -- before you start.
3. Reach short-term goals. Know where you’re at to begin with, so you can decide where you want to go. List some achievable, measurable targets by which to track your progress. A personal trainer is great for helping you determine what these goals should be. Remember that a complete fitness program should incorporate fitness, nutrition and education for optimum results.
4. Reality check. Many fitness resolutions are too aggressive or even impossible. Be realistic. If you’ve been sedentary for years, a walk around the block may equal success. Good fitness is gradual, measured improvement. No matter what the television says, you’re not going to have perfect abs or the body you had 20 years ago in 10 minutes a day. If you think you will, you’re bound to fail.
5. Review. Know that you’ll have to make adjustments and course corrections along the way. Track your progress and listen to your body. If something doesn’t feel right, don’t force it. If you start running and it bores you to tears, try something else. Try mixing activities to keep the interest level high.
Resolving to be fit is important, but it’s also important to have a reasonable plan, to have good information about how to succeed and to make sure that your goals are achievable and reasonable. With this approach, short-term setbacks won’t cause long-term failure. It’s never too late to start again and start right.
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Berkshire County Homes Celebrating Holiday Cheer
By Breanna SteeleiBerkshires Staff
There's holiday cheer throughout the Berkshires this winter.
Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.
We asked the homeowners questions on their decorations and why they like to light up their houses.
In Great Barrington, Matt Pevzner has decorated his house with many lights and even has a Facebook page dedicated to making sure others can see the holiday joy.
Located at 93 Brush Hill Road, there's more than 61,000 lights strewn across the yard decorating trees and reindeer and even a polar bear.
The Pevzner family started decorating in September by testing their hundreds of boxes of lights. He builds all of his own decorations like the star 10-foot star that shines done from 80-feet up, 10 10-foot trees, nine 5-foot trees, and even the sleigh, and more that he also uses a lift to make sure are perfect each year.
"I always decorated but I went big during COVID. I felt that people needed something positive and to bring joy and happiness to everyone," he wrote. "I strive to bring as much joy and happiness as I can during the holidays. I love it when I get a message about how much people enjoy it. I've received cards thanking me how much they enjoyed it and made them smile. That means a lot."
Pevzner starts thinking about next year's display immediately after they take it down after New Year's. He gets his ideas by asking on his Facebook page for people's favorite decorations. The Pevzner family encourages you to take a drive and see their decorations, which are lighted every night from 5 to 10.
In North Adams, the Wilson family decorates their house with fun inflatables and even a big Santa waving to those who pass by.
The Wilsons start decorating before Thanksgiving and started decorating once their daughter was born and have grown their decorations each year as she has grown. They love to decorate as they used to drive around to look at decorations when they were younger and hope to spread the same joy.
"I have always loved driving around looking at Christmas lights and decorations. It's incredible what people can achieve these days with their displays," they wrote.
The Wilsons' invite you to come and look at their display at 432 Church St. that's lit from 4:30 to 10:30 every night, though if it's really windy, the inflatables might not be up as the weather will be too harsh.
In Pittsfield, Travis and Shannon Dozier decorated their house for the first time this Christmas as they recently purchased their home on Faucett Lane. The two started decorating in November, and hope to bring joy to the community.
"If we put a smile on one child's face driving by, then our mission was accomplished," they said.
Many homeowners are showing their holiday spirit by decorating their houses. We asked for submissions so those in the community can check out these fanciful lights and decor when they're out.
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