We are approaching that time of year where we all are thinking about making a positive change in our lives.  Every year, on January 1st, millions of people are resolving to quit smoking, start exercising more, make more time for the kids, etc, etc.  Gyms, fitness facilities, and personal training studios are always packed with people until the end of February or the first of March.  Why do these resolution often go by the wayside?  Why can’t many resolvers stick with their plan?

Part of the problem is how many of these resolutions are approached.  Goals are set in response to something negative. i.e- stop smoking.  By setting a more positive and broader goal, long-term success is more viable.  Instead of saying “I want to stop smoking”, say “I want to start living a healthier lifestyle.”  This encompasses every aspect of your living habits, including smoking.  By limiting it to only smoking, you are continuing other unhealthy habits that may lead back to smoking.

Also, lack of planning is another detriment to the success of a resolution.  Plan incremental goals to go with the lifestyle change.  Reward yourself with these smaller goals.

All in all, it is up to you to create the opportunities to acheive your resolutions.  Positive planning, tenacity,  and looking at the “big picture” is vital in sticking with your program and not looking back on the negative behaviors.

Here is a topic that is of great interest to myself and the rest of my staff at Studio Element.  The childhood obesity rates are alarmingly increasing in America and seem to be even more so in Saint Louis.  When I was young, recess and gym time was so much more prevalent and now it is almost non-existent.

According to the CDC website, in a study done from 1976-1980 and 2003-2006, for children aged 2–5 years, prevalence increased from 5.0% to 12.4%; for those aged 6–11 years, prevalence increased from 6.5% to 17.0%; and for those aged 12–19 years, prevalence increased from 5.0% to 17.6%.  As the number ONE killer in America, obesity is linked to a whole host of health complications including diabetes, heart disease, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and several others.

Here is another graph from the CDC website indicating the prevalence of obesity, ages 2-19, over the last four decades.

The bottom line is that we, as parents, need to take responsibility and educate ourselves and our children how to make better choices, become involved in active activities, and to develop these life skill to use throughout a lifetime.  With the dwindling exercise opportunities at schools, it is imperative to involve your children in other activities to keep them active whether it is sports leagues, family hikes, or a fitness program specifically designed for children as offered by Studio Element Personal Training.