Community Corner

Have You Made Your New Year's Resolution Yet?

Bloomingdale-Riverview area residents prepare to lose weight, exercise more, stop smoking, save money and eat healthier as the New Year rolls around. Here are some places to help you meet your 2012 goals.

It happens every Jan. 1.

People make resolutions to improve themselves. Some stick to them; most don't.

According to Psychology Today, the majority of Americans will make some kind of resolution for the New Year. However, research has shown that, after six months, fewer than half the people making resolutions stick to them. After a year, the number declines to 10 percent.

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According to USA.gov, the U.S. government's official web portal, the following are the top 10 resolutions Americans will make this year:

  1. Drink less alcohol
  2. Eat healthy food
  3. Get a better education
  4. Get a better job
  5. Get fit
  6. Lose weight
  7. Manage stress
  8. Quit smoking
  9. Reduce, reuse and recycle
  10. Save money

It's Brandon resident Jean Batronie's job to help people achieve several of those resolutions.

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Owner of Brandon Hypnosis & Counseling, behavior counselor and hypnotist Batronie has been helping people achieve their goals for more than 40 years.

"I see a lot more clients come in during the beginning of the year because they've made resolutions to improve themselves," said Batronie. "People are all gung-ho at the beginning of the year, and it's my job to keep them motivated so they achieve their goals."

By far, the biggest problems Batronie sees are anxiety-related.

"Because of economic pressures right now, stress and anxiety are rampant. People are running scared right now and getting very stressed. This can exacerbate other problems. If you're a smoker, you'll smoke more if you're stressed. If you have a weight problem, you'll eat more when stressed," said Batronie. "People with economic concerns can also lose their positive attitudes and self esteem, which can lead to other problems."

Batronie said she not only works with clients on their core problems but also works to improve their attitudes so they have a better chance of a successful outcome.

Other are business owners are preparing to help residents to fulfill their New Year's resolutions.

Anytime Fitness at 10875 Bloomingdale Ave., Riverview, has been open four months and December has been the gym's busiest month by far as residents prepare to get in shape for the New Year. Owner Brian Kleinschmidt expects January to be an even busier month.

"Getting fit is definitely a popular New Year's resolution, but the key is to get people to stick to their resolution all year long," said Kleinschmidt.

Whether they are getting fit for general health or exercising to lose weight, Kleinschmidt said it's key to choose a gym where you feel comfortable and motivated.

"That's one of the reasons membership at our gym includes a free session with a personal trainer," said Kleinschmidt. "We want to make sure people are comfortable with and know how to use the equipment. It makes them more comforable and, when you're comfortable, it's easier to stay motivated."

Another incentive is to exercise with others, said Kleinschmidt.

"Some people do best when they're in a group where others are around to motivate them. A lot of people don't like working out by themselves," he said. "That's why we offer a variety of classes including kick boxing, spin, Zumba and boot camp."

Another incentive is to chart your progress.

"When you see you're making gains, it motivates you further," said Kleinschmidt.

With a membership at Anytime Fitness, clients are given access to the Anytime Health website where they can track their diets with the help of certified nutritionists and chart their workouts.

"It helps to hold them accountable," said Kleinschmidt.

Looking for local businesses that can help you fulfill your New Year's resolution? Check out these:

Fitness

Stress

Weight Loss

Health

Financial Security

 

 

 

 

 


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