Issue link: http://www.wacmagazine.com/i/438230
26 | Washington Athletic Club Magazine | JANUARY 2015 Melinda Young-Flynn is a Seattle–based freelance writer. Contact Shana Hopkins at shopkins@wac.net and George Sommerrock at georges@wac.net. Q: How do you encourage people who might feel too intimidated to step back into a gym? A: GS: The biggest barrier is the door. Just walk through it. Then try private sessions or smaller classes. Or bring a friend. Also, the WAC's Get Fit classes are designed for people trying to ease back in. Q: How can people make New Year's resolutions that last? A: SH: It's important to not make the resolution so big that you fail. Start with smaller goals, something as simple as increasing water, fruit and vegetable intake. As those goals become routine, you'll see how other goals can become habits, too. Q: What advice do you have for members who are up against a plateau? A: SH: I encourage people in this situation to consider our Detox & Cleanse programs that are designed to strengthen their metabolic pathways. It's also good to look for other things that can cause plateaus, like food sensitivities and lack of sleep. GS: Plateaus happen when our bodies get bored. To challenge ourselves, we need to surprise our bodies with new types of workouts. Mix it up! Q: How can members stay motivated during winter months when cold weather and shorter days make overeating and curling up at home enticing? A: SH: It's a great time to experiment with cooking more. Make healthy dishes that warm the body—healthy stews and soups, or roast chicken with veggies. GS: This time of year, having people to encourage you is important. Those "attaboys" that members get from our staff are hugely motivating. Q: What programs do you recommend to fitness buffs looking for new challenges? A: GS: Fitness enthusiasts love our hybrid classes, like the programs that combine TRX with cycling or with boot camp. They challenge the body in unique ways and offer members new tools for their individual workouts. In addition, we've got 12 trainers eager to amp up anyone's game. Q: Do you have any other words of wellness wisdom for members in the new year? A: SH: Take your Vitamin D this time of year. Get tests like your colonoscopy, bone density test, and cholesterol test to ensure your health is on track. Many people come to me for weight loss but it's really about overall wellness. Just make sure exercise and nutrition are the foundations of your health. GS: When people see exercise as a chore it doesn't stick. But when people see it as a lifestyle, when they realize that the body craves movement, it's natural to want to stay active. Try to shift your thinking.