Tuesday, Dec. 18 2012 4:33PM

COMMENTARY

Revamping the routine and getting a jump start

By Janice Jacoby

Guest columnist

This is the first time in about ten years that I haven’t had a gym membership, and I am perfectly okay with that. When I moved I did visit a few gyms and inquired about membership, but with my change in jobs and traveling to do training I had to get into a new routine of invention and I kind of liked it. In fact, I really like it.

This is also the first time in a little over five years that I am not instructing, and yes I do miss it, but I’m going to hold off for a little while and be selective finding a new place to teach. I will go back to it soon, but I am taking this move and this new location to find myself and what my true desires are. I am one of those people who have a hard time saying the word “no” to people, especially people that I care about. I don’t want to let people down and I want to help them out, but sometimes I get myself in a pickle and end up not having enough time to do everything that I have committed to. Maybe you can relate a little?

The holidays and end of year are always jam packed with so much to do and so little time for ourselves. Maybe this year, we can make sure and schedule that time in for ourselves and try something a little different. It is a proven fact year after year that the average person gains weight over the holiday season. Let’s not be average, let’s change things up and get a jump start on taking care of ourselves so we can be better for ourselves and our family.

If you’ve been doing the same workout for a while your body will get bored, just like your mind gets bored and it will stop responding. With all the “deals” on the internet and all the great people who have starter smaller companies to tackle the health and fitness industry, take advantage of the coupons and deals to try “5 classes” or “unlimited” classes at a place you’ve never been. It might be just what your body needs to revamp and what your mind needs to recharge.

That’s exactly what I’ve been doing. To find a balance in between training for my next half marathon, I have started scooping up a lot of coupons and deals online of smaller facilities in and around where I live. When I’m not running, I go do a class; whether it is a zumba, bikram yoga or crossfit it is something different to help offset my current training program. I’m not good at all the things I am doing; but that is what keeps me humble, helps keep me going, and helps to keep it interesting.

What can you do to not be normal and not gain weight between now and the end of the year? How much time can you carve out of your busy schedule to take care of yourself? We all have the same twenty four hours in a day and yes, it seems like we will need way more than that to make it through some days but there is time… you just have schedule yourself in.

Take a moment now to sit down and figure out your game plan. It doesn’t have to be every day, just three or four days a week will help keep you where you need to be. If you can do more days, do it. Just start doing something different. Find something to intrigue your mind and make your body question you. All you have to do is take the first step and go for it. Have a great lean holiday season.

Janice Jacoby, has been in the health and wellness field professionally since 2002.