Meet Your Fitness Goals in 2012!

It’s that time -- again.

YOU are going to lose weight. YOU are going to work out and adopt a healthy meal plan. And YOU are going to get into those old jeans.

Then it happens. You start working out…for a brief period. And then you have a bad meal or two, can't make it to the gym and miss a workout. The inspiration dies out, and that whole new fitness regimen fizzles.

And those old jeans? Back on the hanger in the closet.

It doesn’t have to be that way, end like this.

Belleville Patch asked to local fitness trainers the whys, hows  and ways to succeed at better health in 2012.

When it comes to New Year's resolutions, what are the most popular reasons for wanting to get in shape?

“When it comes to New Year’s resolutions, the most popular reasons for wanting to get in shape are the motivation to start off the year on a good note by putting and taking care of their health first,” says Marc Escobia, head trainer at . “Because January 1st is the first month and day of the year, many feel it is the best time to kick off the New Year and get rid of the excess weight they put on in the course of the past year.

"In addition, because of the BIG three holidays that past from Thanksgiving, to Christmas and then New Year’s, the New Year is the perfect day to clear out the entire load they have recently gained from the holidays.”

Leslea Clark Piscatowski, owner of Belleville’s , recently created the Belleville Fit Club, a free six-month fitness regimen and challenge open to township residents which begins on Jan. 15.

“The most popular reasons I hear for people wanting to get in shape is that they want to better themselves in the new year," says Clark Piscatowski. "A new year, a fresh new start to a better you. I also often hear that people start in January in order to be in shape for the warm weather. Mostly, it seems that the new year's resolution tradition motivates people to get started. My challenge as a trainer is helping them stick with it!” 

How can people get started, and how do you help them?

“People can get started by first shopping around for a fitness club that best fits their interest along with price. For starters, I would recommend a fitness club that offers personal trainers so they can guide you in the right direction to exercising properly,” says Escobia. “I would help them by encouraging how important it is to exercise and that your own personal health should come first before anything. Overall, exercise is the most significant part of life to help you, not only to feel better, but most importantly make you live longer.”

Says Clark Piscatowski: “First and foremost, you must set a goal. After a goal is set I like to meet with my client to map out a plan and find motivational tools that will keep them on track when I'm not around. For example, a food diary for a client that wants to establish healthier eating habits. I also find keeping in touch with my client virtually is a good motivational tool. A quick text or message always reminds them that I am there If needed.” 

Why do some people stop the process while others keep going, and what advice can you give to not fall off after being fully vested?

Escobia says: “People who exercise have the tendency to stop over a period of time. While, some may set up a routine schedule and come in almost every day. It is normal to see people fall off with exercising; whether it’s because of their change of schedule, tired after work, or not enough time. This is where people tend to lose focus on getting motivation to come to the gym/fitness club. My main advice to people who fall off on exercising is to try and modify their workouts so they never lose interest on coming. People who try different workouts have the tendency to enjoy exercising more because they never get bored with the same repetitive exercise scheme every week. In addition, with altering your workouts, you target different muscles in your body leading to better results and providing a positive feedback, mentally and physically, resulting to an increase in self-confidence.”

Meanwhile, Clark Piscatowski cautions: “Motivation and the fact that we are creatures of habit. It takes 21 days to form a new habit. It takes many a lot longer to break their old ones, so while you are embracing your new habits you must have the motivation to fight off the old ones. That's where a professional can help out: a trainer, your family, a positive force, or someone who empowers you. Eventually, you will learn to love the new lifestyle you have created -- I am very confident of that!”