According to a recent Finder.com poll, nearly 75% of Americans made some kind of New Year’s resolution in 2021. Of those, about 62% hoped to improve their health — not surprising for a nation suddenly plunged into a global pandemic.
In fact, a 2021 Harvard study reported that people with a healthy diet (measured by eating fruits, vegetables, and legumes) had a 9% lower risk of contracting COVID-19 and a 41% lower risk Risk of developing severe symptoms. Similarly, a demographic study by the British Journal of Sports Medicine showed that adults who reported regular exercise had a lower risk of hospitalization and death from COVID-19.
The statistics are clear: while masks and vaccinations are recommended, another way to protect yourself from COVID-19 is to make the lifestyle changes you’ve always wanted. But how do you stick to these resolutions? We reached out to some fitness and nutrition experts in the area. Here’s her advice.
Scott Held is an exercise physiologist at The Great Body Company. He received his bachelor’s degree in exercise physiology from West Virginia University and has over 20 years of personal and team training experience.
“I would just make sure they try to honor the commitment,” Held said. “Come consistently and have some realistic goals. Everyone wants that quick result – they start working out and after a week they don’t have that body so they get discouraged. Just realize that it’s going to be a journey. Don’t expect instant results. It will be gradual, and when it’s gradual it’s more likely to stick. If it comes on very quickly, it’s likely to go away very quickly.”
“Having a personal trainer is really helpful because it also helps with accountability,” added Held. “When you have so much time in a day, you want to make sure your work is as time efficient as possible. And a personal trainer will ensure that you check in with that person upon arrival. You’ll be more inclined to stick to it. I would call or check the websites. I would call the fitness center you are interested in and I would find out more about the trainer. I would like to know more about their credentials and how long they have been doing this. See if there are any reviews before you start.”
Monique Richard is a certified dietitian and nutritionist as well as a yoga teacher.
She has a master’s degree in clinical nutrition and has owned her own practice, Nutrition-In-Sight, for the past seven years.
“Small steps make big changes. So start small, for example by drinking more water. Make that a SMART goal… small, measurable – and spell the acronym,” Richard said. “Even if you look at your support system. Is there anyone who can hold you accountable for that particular goal? Does your environment support your changes?
“Often a professional will either reinforce a change they want to make or introduce something they didn’t previously know about. I always say everyone can benefit from seeing a registered dietitian because there are so many people who think they know that’s not always right.”
Customers interested in booking with Richard can go to eatrightrx.com and fill out an interest form. Her practice is in Johnson City.
When Nick Childress was 20, he weighed 300 pounds. With diet and exercise he lost 140 pounds and has spent the last 20 years researching fitness and nutrition. He became a National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM)-certified personal trainer five years ago and has been helping people achieve their fitness goals ever since. Nick also has a bachelor’s degree in psychology.
“Are you mentally ready to change? If so, you need to plan,” Childress advises. “Excitement and determination are fading. make a plan Stick with it, even if you don’t feel like it, and you’ll develop a habit that will make it easier over time. To lose weight, plan on everything that goes in your mouth – breakfast, lunch, dinner and snacks. If you eat outside of that plan because you were too tired to cook, had to run errands all day, or went to a party, it’s still your fault.
“Plan for how you’ll handle the logistics, surprises, emotional issues, and family dynamics that drive you to eat poorly. own everything Plan your workouts on your calendar. Treat each one like an interview: be on time, ready, focused, and don’t miss it unless you’re ill or have a family emergency.
“A good plan means realistic goals, effective meal planning, and a progressive and regular exercise program. If your only knowledge of nutrition and exercise comes from your high school gym class, Instagram, or men’s health, prepare for failure. A few months with a knowledgeable personal trainer and/or nutritionist will save you years of wasted effort. Fitness is a journey. Get a map to get you where you want to go.”
Childress offers meal planning and personal training in a private gym. Visit www.privategymtraining.com for more information.
source https://www.bisayanews.com/2022/01/30/still-sticking-to-your-new-years-resolutions-diet-and-fitness-experts-offer-advice-features/
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