Lots of Islanders resolve to be fit | The Honolulu Advertiser

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Lots of Islanders resolve to be fit | The Honolulu Advertiser | Hawaii's Newspaper

Posted on: Wednesday, January 3, 2007

Lots of Islanders resolve to be fit

Video: Getting fit in the new year

By Catherine E. Toth
Advertiser Staff Writer

Susan Nagata, of Kaimuki, works out at the Nu'uanu YMCA's fitness center. She hates working out, she says, but feels better afterward.

BRUCE ASATO | The Honolulu Advertiser

Susan Nagata wouldn't consider herself active. But she's hoping that will change in the new year.

"I hate working out, I really do," said Nagata, 50, of Kaimuki. "But I feel better after I do it. And I hope I feel better three months from now."

So she signed up for membership at the Y, hoping to tone up and improve her fitness in 2007.

"Aesthetics is a strong motivator," she said, taking a break from bicep curls in the YMCA's fitness center yesterday, "especially when you're gonna be 51."

Health clubs and gyms usually see enrollment jump during the first quarter of the year, due mostly to those yearly pledges.

"January is the busiest month for probably all fitness-type facilities, and that has to do with the new year and New Year resolutions," said Mike Doss, YMCA of Honolulu district vice president. "We start the year with the understanding that a good January will set us up for a good year."

About 20 percent of enrollment at Nu'uanu YMCA comes in January, Doss said.

This is the busiest month for most health clubs, with new members enrolling and others returning to their regular workouts.

The Honolulu Club on Ward Avenue sees up to a 20 percent increase in enrollment in January, mostly former members eager to get back in shape, said athletic director Rick Ahn.

The annual boost is fueled by a continued interest in health, due largely to alarming rates of obesity. About 65 percent of U.S. adults are overweight, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Cardiovascular disease was a factor in more than one-third of all U.S. deaths in 2004, according to the American Heart Association.

Such news "has had a definite impact on how people eat and exercise," said Carolyn Olomanu, owner of Curves in Mililani, where enrollment has shot up 70 percent from December.

Nagata is determined to stick to a fitness routine because she quit once before after sinus surgery.

"So this time time ... I have to," she said. "Check back with me next year. See if I'm still here."

TIPS FOR STAYING MOTIVATED

About a third of those who make New Year's resolutions will break them by Feb. 1, according to a study by University of Washington researchers.

Here are tips from fitness experts on how you can stay committed — and motivated — throughout the new year.

Be realistic: "Don't kill yourself," said Carolyn Olomanu, owner of Curves in Mililani. "You get these people who are all gung-ho and say they're going to work out six days a week for two hours. That's too hard and it's too much to live up to. So they quit. You have to set realistic goals."

Start off slowly: New and returning members like to jump right into a rigorous workout, but that can often lead to injury, said Rick Ahn, athletic director at the Honolulu Club. "We see that all the time," he said. He suggests people set small, manageable goals to strive for. "And stick to the plan," he added.

Enlist a friend: Workout buddies can help keep you motivated and on track, said Billy Greineisen, fitness manager at Gold's Gym. Find someone reliable and supportive.

Be patient: You won't lose 10 pounds overnight. Give yourself a month to see results, Olomanu said. "If you stick with a routine for the first month, you're more likely to make it a habit," she said.

Change your diet slowly: Rather than do a complete diet overhaul, make small changes, Ahn said. That way you can still eat things you enjoy while incorporating new, more healthful foods into your diet. "One small change will lead to a big change," he said.

Have fun: You won't stick to a workout routine if you're not having fun, Ahn said. "Try something different, whether it's joining a new class or taking up a new sport," Ahn said. "Those are good ways to get fit."

— Catherine E. Toth

Reach Catherine E. Toth at ctoth@honoluluadvertiser.com.

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