It seems the best way to ring in the New Year is with a dumbbell. At least, that's the way it seems for the first few weeks of January, when the gyms are bustling with new members with fresh resolve. This year, they think, will be different.
Unfortunately, only about 10 per cent of fitness oriented New Year's resolutions survive past the first month.
For better or worse, reporters Trent Cey and Tara Scaglione are stepping up to the New Year's challenge. They've signed up at Lifetime Fitness, been weighed and measured, and are ready to pump some iron.
Who will be first to hit snooze a few too many mornings in a row? (probably Trent) Who will be first to break down and chow down at McD's? (totally Tara)
TARA:
At 5'5" and 183 lbs, I've got a lot of work cut out for me.
My three-month goal is to drop 30 pounds and improve my cardio.
Luckily for me, Lifetime Fitness is hosting a girls-only "Feel Like Heaven in 2011" challenge starting Jan. 10, so I will have lots of help reaching my goals, including a tailored program, mini workout and information sessions and super motivating prizes.
I've also signed up for a 10K in Calgary March 12, so the pressure's on.
Although it's going to be really hard to give up the junk food I enjoy on a regular basis, I won't let Trent beat me. I just won't. Not after I had to buy him beer and pizza when the Riders beat the Stamps.
TRENT:
Well, let's try this again, I have held a gym membership in the past and now the biggest challenge is to use it the entire time instead of just the first month or even the first three months and go back into the unhealthy routine.
I am 6´ and 247 lbs, so obviously I have a lot more to lose than Tara, but I am up for the challenge. I don't quite have a program as detailed as Tara, but with a few friends, who are regulars at the gym and a few more who are hoping to become regulars the push to get to the gym shouldn't be a problem.
What is motivating me?
Better physical fitness is key, I don't really have a certain number I want to lose, but I am heading to Mexico in seven weeks and Las Vegas this summer and it is time to get a beach bod, so if I can drop 20 pounds that would be great. I am looking forward to the challenge and the more competitive this gets between Tara and myself the better it should be for both of us.
Good luck to Tara, you'll need it, and to all of those who have made New Year's resolutions and need the extra push to stay with it.