THREE WAYS THE Y CAN HELP YOU SET AND KEEP YOUR GOALS

January can be an overwhelming time of the year with the pressure of New Year resolutions, eating healthy, starting new workouts, and maintaining a family schedule. Here are three ways to encourage you and help you start the new year off right:

1. Stick to your goals

Write your short-term and long-term goals down, and be patient with your goals. If your goal is to exercise more, start with an easy workout then work your way up. Surround yourself with people who are working towards the same goals. After each exercise session, take a few minutes to savor the good feelings that exercise gives you.

2. Motivation

When it comes to staying motivated, it can be difficult. Always remember why you started. Have positive self-talk. Think back on your short-term and long-term goals to hold yourself accountable. If your family goal is to be more active, find activities you enjoy. When you enjoy something you’re most likely to do it.

3. Reward yourself

Rest and relaxation can be an excellent way to reward your hard work. Take time to read a book, take a nap, watch your favorite television show, go shopping, or get a massage. Document all your accomplishments, no matter how big or small.

At the Y, we believe in meeting people where they are. To help you stick to your goals, we offer...

YMCA Fitness Experience is an opportunity to meet with a fitness professional who will help you to better understand how to create a plan for your fitness goals and provide education and guidance on our fitness equipment. It is also an opportunity to get you connected to other programs offered at your YMCA. www.ymcadallas.org/yfx

Our YMCA Community Health Department provides evidence-based programming for our community's health and well-being. Programs include activities that promote wellness, reduce risk for disease and help others reclaim their health. The result is a community that values health and supports healthy choices. www.ymcadallas.org/communityhealth

For adults, we offer Blood Pressure Self-Monitoring Program, YMCA's Diabetes Prevention Program, YMCA Weight Loss Program.
For families, FIT For Health, and Get up and Go.
For children, Kamp K'aana.

We have all heard it many times before - regular exercise is good for you. Our Group Exercise instructors are highly trained to provide those seeking a healthy lifestyle with a safe environment and effective exercise programs. Instructors facilitate class connections and create opportunities for storytelling and relationship building. There is a group exercise class for everyone at the Y! www.ymcadallas.org/groupexercise

These programs and everything else the Y does are in service of making us—our Ys and our communities—better. We hope that your year is a successful one!