SALT LAKE CITY -- Whether it's getting in shape, breaking bad habits or learning something new: a fresh new year is an opportunity to set new goals.
It can be hard to keep New Year’s resolutions going, and FOX 13 News’ Todd Tanner stopped by Vasa Fitness in Murray to check in with folks working to stay on track.
Maureen Glew said this isn't her first time at the gym. She's been going for more than a dozen years and says it's all part of her mission to stay healthy.
“Coming to the gym is a wonderful discipline,” Glew said. “I come here because I want to remain functional.”
Since she’s already focused on fitness, Glew said she has a new resolution this year.
“I’d like to be able to help other people in a way that leaves them their self-respect and makes them feel better about the world,” she said.
Matt Moffitt is also a known member at the fitness club, and he says staying fit is something he focuses on all year-round.
“A lot of people think that when you go to the gym it's just about your physical appearance, but also it actually helps strengthen your mind,” he said.
Trainers said it's normal to see a big crowd at the gym this time of year. But how do you keep up your goal once that fresh start feeling begins to fizzle out?
“SMART goal is an acronym I like to use for all my clients: it means specific, measureable, attainable, realistic and timely,” said Hunter Manwell, a personal trainer at Vasa Fitness. “So most of the goals I have my clients set with are between about two-month and three-month goals that they can accomplish in that amount of time.”
Trainers said setting smaller, short-term goals is the key to eventually reaching your ultimate resolution.
“Yeah, you can set a long-term goal but setting some shorter-term goals that you can accomplish, and you see those goals getting closer and closer and closer to accomplishing, those are much better goals to obtain and reach,” Manwell said.
Another method is to recruit a gym buddy.
“Just come here with your friend, it`s one of the biggest things having other people to lift with you or work out with you because then, sometimes you don’t really want to go, but if someone’s like, ‘Yo, you said you would go with me, let’s make it,’” Moffitt said.
Manwell said balance and consistency are key.
“I say, stick with a balanced, consistent diet, coming to the gym, staying consistent,” he said. “Consistency is the key to reaching any goal.”
