Marty Gordon
NRVsports@ourvalley.org

A new year means hundreds of people will be hitting the gym to begin the resolution of getting healthy and in shape.

The key, according to one local personal trainer, is sticking with it. Eric Wade, who has been a certified trainer for over 10 years, said the problem that he typically sees is that half of those who start the year in the gym don’t stick with it.

“Developing a routine and sticking with it is the key,” he said. “Many people want to do it, but stop when they run up against that first or second roadblock.”

Wade recommends finding another person to exercise with or even hiring a personal trainer.

“The key is motivation, and a workout partner or trainer will help push as you try to get back into exercising. It’s hard, but if you want to get back in shape, or shed pounds for that summer swimsuit, you have to be dedicated in doing it,” he said.

In this midst of this change, individuals must also set attainable goals like losing a certain amount of weight that can be reached. Experts recommend you write those goals down and maybe keep a record of what you do on a calendar, again helping to motivate you and keep things on a regular basis.

Wade said individuals should try to exercise 45 minutes four times a week, and you don’t have to use or buy expensive workout equipment. He recommended exercises like walking, ski squats, tricep dips, step ups and planks.

“If you have access to a fitness center, then you can start using things like treadmills and elliptical machines,” he said.

Sabrina Habernigg is one of those with a resolution to get healthier. She was working out Tuesday at the Christiansburg Recreation Center.

“My resolution and goal is all about health, well-being and eating properly,” she said.

Pam Epperly-Peyton, the adult programming director at the CRC, pointed out there are as many as 24 programs being offered this month at the Christiansburg Recreation Center that can help with those resolutions.

One of those new programs is called “Walk Live,” where you can walk three miles and never go outside.

Epperly-Peyton said the class is a low impact indoor total body walking class that is suited for all fitness levels.

But exercise is not the only thing to consider when stating a new workout regimen. Wade said that nutrition is a major key to a successful plan.

“Fitness includes nutrition and means cutting out things like chocolate, sugars and carbs. This means cleaning out the kitchen cabinets of things that might tempt you to eat unhealthy, and adding carrots, celery and apples into your daily routine,” he said.

Both the Christiansburg and Blacksburg recreation centers have memberships for residents and non-residents. There are also several private fitness centers in the area along with the YMCA at the Meadowbrook complex in Shawsville.

“Getting into an exercise program will take time. It will hurt. It will mean changes. It will require dedication and willpower, and there will be temptations, but it will all be worth it in the end,” Wade concluded.