Stick With It: New Year�s Resolutions that Work

Kick off the New Year by Working on Your Outer Body and Inner Mind at the MJCCA

2019 is just around the corner; it’s time to start thinking about New Year’s resolutions! Wait – don’t stress out yet! Set yourself up for success by understanding how to make resolutions stick. The Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA) shares advice from fitness and wellness experts to help you discover a healthier YOU in the New Year. For more information, visit atlantajcc.org or call 678.812.4060.

“Resolutions that require hard work, like a resolution to lose weight, produces a lot of situations that make it easy to give up,” shares MJCCA Group Fitness Director DeAnne Jacobson. “The key is to establish habits that counteract the most commonly encountered pitfalls.” The MJCCA helps the community achieve their health goals every day by encouraging these healthy habits:

Dress Out and Show Up: A critical step towards achieving your New Year’s resolution is to be ready to do your chosen activity. “You’re not going to get anywhere with your resolution if you don’t show up,” says Valerie Chambers, MJCCA Wellness Coordinator. “Getting dressed and going to the gym is half the battle for most people. Make it easy on yourself by setting out your clothes the night before or putting your gym bag in your car.” Structure your schedule to prevent excuses, Chambers advises, and you’ll set yourself up for success.

Knowledge is Power: “If you don’t know where to start, you probably won’t,” advises Jacobson. Familiarize yourself with any equipment you might need to meet your resolution. For example, if your resolution is to get fit, do some research, take stock of your equipment, and set benchmarks. “We equip every one of our members with the knowledge they need to have a successful workout through our JCC FitPlan program,” explains Jacobson. “We talk about their goals, tour our facilities, show them how to use our state-of-the-art equipment, and set benchmarks so they can measure their progress. We do this for free for our members, because it’s the best way to see results.” The MJCCA also offers Fitness 101, a three-month program that is open to the community, teaching participants the ins and outs of the fitness center

Find Accountability: “If you know someone is waiting for you to show up, you’re more likely to get up and go there,” advises Chambers. If your resolution is to get fit, a personal trainer can provide both guidance and accountability on your fitness journey. Another option is a small group class, like the MJCCA’s FitLine™ Functional Fitness or STOTT PILATES® classes. “You get to know the other people in the class, and start being accountable to one another, which is what we love to see at our community center,” Chambers shares. With over 100 group fitness classes at the MJCCA, you have plenty of opportunities to find your own fitness community.

Take Care of Yourself: “Don’t try and do too much at once,” advises Chambers. Avoiding injuries and burnout are essential to a sustainable routine, whether your resolution is to learn to code or run a marathon. Steady progress is more likely to produce the results you want. “Don’t forget to take care of your mental and emotional health during this time of change in your life,” Chambers continues. MJCCA’s Mindful Meditation for Stress Management course emphasizes how reflection and meditation can improve your ability to cope with everyday stressors.

Have Fun: Celebrate your successes and enjoy your gains! “If you’ve gotten in great shape, come join in on our Heart Healthy Zumbathon and dance the night away,” offers Jacobson. Share your success with your trainer or classmates. “That’s the wonderful thing about a community center, especially the MJCCA,” Jacobson shares. “Everyone here knows you and is ready to celebrate you for who you are, and what you’ve accomplished.”

Find your fitness community at the MJCCA by visiting atlantajcc.org or reaching out to our Membership Office at 678.812.4060.

About the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA)

Impacting more than 60,000 people annually, the Marcus Jewish Community Center of Atlanta (MJCCA) is welcoming to people of all faiths, ages, and backgrounds. The MJCCA is committed to strengthening the quality of life in Atlanta and is recognized as one of the most highly regarded Jewish community centers in the nation. Our NAEYC-accredited preschools, award-winning camps, outstanding cultural events, and invigorating sports and fitness programs engage and connect the community.

More Information

• More info about Wellness: Call 678.812.4063, or visit atlantajcc.org/wellness
• More info about Fitness: Call 678.812.4022, or visit atlantajcc.org/fitness

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