Are Health and Fitness Resolutions Worth the Effort?

With the coming of the New Year, people are once again pondering new fitness resolutions. But, don’t we hear all too often about the failed New Year’s resolution? Is it really worth trying given the less-than-encouraging statistics? Life Time Fitness (NYSE:LTM) says, "YES.” And, to help prevent falling off the fitness wagon in 2008 – causing frustration, regret and discouragement for many who want a healthier, more fit and active lifestyle – the national operator of sports, professional fitness, family recreation and resort & spa centers offers its basic tips for health and fitness resolution success, along with profiles of members who are achieving just that. "There's nothing wrong with resolving to get fit, but so many resolutions fail because they are approached in the wrong way,” said Jeff Zwiefel, Senior Vice President, Life Time Fitness. "Statistics show that 50 per cent of the people who start an exercise program discontinue it in six months. However, we want to help people design and implement a well-rounded, balanced program that allows them to start a new resolution on the right foot. By following a simple set of tips, anyone can begin anew on a reasonable, sound plan based on education, exercise, and nutrition, and most importantly, maintain it.” 1. RELAX. Most of what Thoreau said about life holds true for fitness – "It is the journey, not the destination.” 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 triathlete in three weeks. Don't put too much pressure on yourself or you'll set yourself up for frustration, physical injury 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 or if it is right for their needs. 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 body weight, heart rate, body fat content, and aerobic capacity – before you start. As well, knowing how the body responds to food and exercise is critical to your success. Also, it is always a good idea to contact your doctor before starting any new diet or exercise program. 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 or specific 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. Your fitness program should also be a balance of cardiovascular, strength and flexibility conditioning, with a greater focus on the one that is most closely related to your individual goals. 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 one day may equal success. Good fitness is gradual, measured improvement. No matter what the ads say, you're not going to have perfect abs or the body you had 20 years ago in ten minutes a day. If you think you will, you're bound to fail. Remember, individual results will vary. 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, or if you experience undue discomfort, try something else – reduce your intensity, increase your duration, or mix activities to keep the interest level high and utilize different muscle groups. "If there's a theme underlying the tips for success, it's that fitness is like most other goals worth pursuing,” said Zwiefel. "Resolving to be fit is important, but it's also important to have a reasonable plan, to have good information about how to get started and succeed, to make sure that your goals are achievable and reasonable, and to stick with it over the long run. Also, don’t be afraid to add some variety to your program or to work out with a group who has similar interests. With this type of approach, short-term setbacks won't cause long-term failure.” So does anyone really achieve success with their resolutions? Absolutely. Here’s just a sampling of individuals who have tremendous accomplishments to share: Bill Roos, Chanhassen, MN – Bill is a 67 year old diabetic whose initial "body age assessment” indicated his body was that of someone 76 years old. He has since lost 30 lbs and his body age is now at 65. Resolutions DO come true Katie Clark , Minneapolis, MN – Katie has lost 50 lbs in the past six months with heart rate based training and the Life Time Fitness TEAM Weight Loss program and then the TEAM Fitness program. Resolutions DO come true. Joan Lussenhop, St. Louis Park, MN – Joan though she had tried everything but she could not lose the weight she wanted. Discouraged by the lack of results, she thought she’d give personal training a try. A year later she has lost 75 lbs. Her positive resulted have encouraged her son too and he now regularly joins his mother at the club. Resolutions DO come true. Zach Gric-Patile, Coon Rapids, MN – Zach starting working out at Life Time Fitness two years ago at the age of 17 when he weighed over 300 lbs. Zach is now down to 180 lbs, his body fat is at 7%. He uses a variety classes at Life Time Fitness plus a regular cardio and weight training program. Resolutions DO come true. For more information about these inspiring individuals and their stories or Life Time Fitness centers, programming and products, please contact Kent Wipf, Life Time Fitness, at kwipf@lifetimefitness.com or 952-229-7211. About Life Time Fitness, Inc. Life Time Fitness, Inc. (NYSE:LTM) operates distinctive and large sports and athletic, professional fitness, family recreation and resort/spa centers. As of December 17, 2007 the Company operated 70 centers in 15 states, including Arizona, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas, Utah and Virginia. The Company also operated one satellite facility and four preview locations in existing and new markets. Life Time Fitness provides consumers with personal training consultation, full-service spas and cafes, corporate wellness programs, health and nutrition education, the healthy lifestyle magazine, Experience Life, athletic events, and nutritional products and supplements. Life Time Fitness is headquartered in Eden Prairie, Minnesota (www.lifetimefitness.com). LIFE TIME FITNESS, the LIFE TIME FITNESS logo, and EXPERIENCE LIFE are registered trademarks of Life Time Fitness, Inc. All other trademarks or registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.