How to Keep Those New Year Resolutions

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Sue Gillispie

Elkins/Randolph County YMCA

(304) 636-4515

THIS YEAR, KEEP THOSE RESOLUTIONS – THE ELKINS/RANDOLPH COUNTY YMCA TELLS YOU HOW ! Keeping your promises to yourself can be done with simple steps

(Elkins WV, January 2006) – Entering a new year, an estimated 45-50 percent of Americans make resolutions because we all see an opportunity for a fresh start. We hope to become more rounded and healthy individuals and "better" people in the new year. So it’s frustrating to acknowledge that some 37 percent of us have given up by March 1 and more than half by the end of June. But the Elkins/Randolph County YMCA knows a lot about staying healthy in “spirit, mind and body” and so, offers these suggestions for keeping your resolutions in 2005:

· Keep it manageable. To stay on track, select only three resolutions at most.

Don’t be too ambitious, but stick to it. With exercising—or other resolutions—start with an easily achievable goal and work up to a regular routine. As you become more physically conditioned, you’ll be able to gently increase your intensity level by picking up the pace or adding new goals to your routine.

· Vary your resolutions, not focusing solely on the body. Maintain your emotional health as well by volunteering an hour per week, reading a book a month, writing a friend or family member.

· Line up a support network. Accomplishing your goal can be easier with the support of family, friends and coworkers. And tell them how they can help!

“And remember,” says YMCA executive director, Sid Gillispie, “the key to success is confidence. Goals are accomplished through a series of small steps and the hardest step to take is the first one. Perseverance and commitment to change are the key elements to turning resolutions into reality. At the Elkins/Randolph County YMCA, we have many fun and affordable fitness classes and programs to help you achieve your goals, including water aerobics, racquetball, aerobics, yoga, social dance, and personal training. Look for our new program brochure in today’s paper or speak to our member services staff for more information. We’re here to help.”

The Elkins/Randolph County YMCA was established in 1908. The YMCA is dedicated to improving the lives of men, women, and children in the region through quality programs, classes, and activities. It recognizes the need to be available to all members of the community regardless of ability to pay. Financial assistance is available for children and people with disabilities based on household income and family size as well as for adults and seniors with demonstrated special needs. The Elkins/Randolph County YMCA is located at 400 Davis Avenue in Elkins and can be reached at 636-4515.