By Judi Nicholson

As the new year progresses, many people see their weight inch up and often feel powerless to stop the trend. We at the Clinton Recreation and Parks Department want to offer you the opportunity to break the cycle this year. MayoClinic.com has an article titled”6 Strategies for Successful Weight Loss” that may offer you or a loved one the framework you need to get fit. Those strategies are:

1. Make a commitment
2. Draw on support from others
3. Set a realistic goal
4. Learn to enjoy healthier foods
5. Get active, stay active
6. Change your lifestyle

You cannot change your weight or your fitness level without changing the way you live from day to day. By making a commitment to change, planning how you will make that change, and following through on those changes, you can take control of your health again. To give you some options in making your commitment, your City Recreation Department has signed up with the President’s Challenge, a free program that allows you to keep track of your progress day to day and week to week for as long as you choose to participate.

The President’s Challenge has several levels to help people get motivated about getting in shape. The program is also for those who are already in shape, but want to compare themselves with others across the country or locally. If you haven’t been exercising, we suggest that you start off with a light walking program. You can walk around your yard, your neighborhood, downtown, or go for a bigger challenge by walking the Royal Lane track. If you cannot exercise in the cold air, come to the Bellamy Center at 8:30 am Monday – Friday to walk around the gym. The opportunities for exercise are every where, you just need to take that first step to get started.

So, if you think this program like a good idea, but you want to know more, just use your computer and go to www.presidentschallenge.org and look over the site. If you are ready to get fit, then contact the Clinton Recreation Department at 299-4906 to get our group number and your participant number so you can sign up for the program. Make sure you record your activities at least once per week to reach your goal. If you don’t have internet access, you can still participate by going on line at the library. Let us help you make 2004 your healthiest year yet.

“Get Fit” at Clinton Recreation and Parks

If you are one of those people who have, not only made a commitment to live healthier in 2004, but have stuck to your commitment, then congratulations! To help you keep your motivation up, the Clinton Recreation and Parks Department recommends that you sign up for the President’s Challenge. If you have signed up for the challenge, then it is time to draw on support from others. According to MayoClinic.com, the support of others, who wish the best for you, will give you the encouragement to continue to improve in your healthy living. This is the second of their recommended “Six Strategies for Successful Weight Loss”.

The third strategy is “set a realistic goal.” Your support group can help you keep you new way of living in perspective. They should encourage you to expect slow but steady weight loss. By increasing your activity level a little each week or every two weeks, you will be able to track your progress. Utilizing the Presidential Challenge is a good way to set and attain realistic goals. When participating in the challenge, you can get credit for more than walking or typical exercise activities. You can also list gardening, household chores, mowing the lawn, throwing darts, and stationary bike riding, just to name a few. At Royal Lane Park, we have outdoor basketball courts, tennis courts, and horseshoe pits available for use by the public. If cold weather basketball isn’t appealing to you, then you can choose to join the “Early Bird” basketball players from 6 – 8:30 am at the Sampson Center or work up a sweat with the “Men’s Night” league from 7 – 9 pm at Sampson Middle School. Both programs run Monday, Wednesday, and Friday.

The point is to get active in whatever way will be easiest for you to start and maintain. Your daily, small successes will improve your health and your sense of well being while keeping you on the road to a healthier lifestyle. The Clinton Recreation and Parks Department is here to help you live your life to the fullest by helping you get fit in 2004. Our motto is “Little things that make a big difference.” Let the little things start to add up for you.

Anyone interested in learning more about the President’s Challenge or exercise options should contact the Clinton Recreation and Parks Department at 299-4906, Monday through Friday from 8:30 am – 5:00 pm.