A New Year Brings New Year’s Fitness Resolutions, The Palo Alto Family YMCA Helps Local Resident

Jan. 8, 2010 - PRLog -- PALO ALTO, CA – January 8, 2010 – The Palo Alto Family YMCA announced today its brand new January promotion, where new members can come in and try the YMCA for free for the entire month, through January 30th. In addition, it has provided some tips to help the local community create a new workout regimen that can be maintained throughout the year.  The Palo Alto Family YMCA also said it is prepared for an increase of potential new members to walk through the doors this month, as it anticipates many individuals making it their New Year’s resolution to lose weight, maintain a fitness routine, and live a healthier lifestyle for 2010.

“Our gym equipment, group exercise classes and Fitlinxx kiosks are at full-capacity every single January, making it one of the busiest times of the year for us,” said Scott Glissmeyer, Executive Director of the Palo Alto Family YMCA.  “To help accommodate for the increased demand during this time, we ensure that we have extra staff members available to not only help out the new faces, but also to work with our long-time members to make sure that we are helping everyone to work toward their fitness goals.”

The Palo Alto Family YMCA has an option for everyone, no matter what type of regimen or routine they are looking for. In addition to the gymnasium, the Palo Alto Family YMCA features two indoor swimming pools, a rock-climbing wall, and more than 100 group, wellness and dance classes, ranging from African, Belly, Hula and Latin dance classes to  a variety of yoga offerings, aerobic exercise classes, martial arts lessons and  muscular and strength conditioning classes.

“The key to any health and fitness goal is that you are not in this for the short term – this is a long-term commitment,” said Diana Turner, Group Wellness Director of the Palo Alto Family YMCA.  Health is not a destination that you reach someday. It is a continual journey that will have twists and turns, ups and downs. If you keep with it, do the best you can, and work on your health every day, you will see results that will have lasting effects.”

Turner offers the following tips for everyone who wants to start the new year off right, regardless of his or her current fitness routine:

   * If the resolution is to lose a large amount of weight, break it down into much smaller goals and set a reasonable deadline.  Healthy, sustainable weight loss occurs when a person loses 1/2 to 2 lbs. per week.  While the "Biggest Loser" plan may seem enticing, the folks on TV are away from their lives for all those weeks, with motivational coaches, chefs, etc.  To be successful at weight loss in your real, day-to-day life, take it slow and easy.

   * If the goal is to run a 10K, or a half marathon, start off slowly with your training.  If you are not already a runner, start by walking regularly.  Gradually build up your distance, trying different courses that are flat and some that have hills.  Vary your speed.  After awhile, add in some jogging.  Start to walk less and jog more.  If you've never done this before, pick an event that is at least 6 months out so that you have time train, build up your endurance and stamina.  You want to have fun at the event, not be miserable trying to cross the finish line.

   * The better you eat, the less you smoke or drink, the more social activities you participate in, and the more exercise you get will lead you down a road with fewer roadblocks.

For more information about the Palo Alto Family YMCA and the many programs it offers, please contact Diana Turner, Group Wellness Director at dturner@ymcasv.org or (650)842-7157. For all media inquiries, please contact Tina Casalino at tcasalino@ymcasv.org or 650-842-2792.

Media Contact:
Tina Casalino
Palo Alto Family YMCA
650-842-2792
tcasalino@ymcasv.org

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About the Palo Alto Family YMCA

The Palo Alto Family YMCA is committed to strengthening and enriching the development of kids, families, and the community. Through health and fitness, youth programs, family activities, and other resources for people of all ages and abilities, we help build a healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. Our core values of respect, responsibility, honesty, and caring are at the heart of everything we do.