The quest to be better in 2003

LYNNWOOD – Good intentions. Roads to some pretty interesting places are said to be paved with them.

Every January, as the calendar turns to the new year, a mountain of those intentions large enough to pave a highway to the moon are piled up as people pledge to change themselves for the better.

Some of the more common hopes for the next 12 months are to stop smoking, lose weight or get out of debt. Perennially at the apex of those lists of hoped for changes is to get more exercise. Anything from walking to power aerobics. Swimming to skydiving. Anything to get off the couch and feel better.

But the optimism of January often fades in the grayness of February and it seems all those hopes are forgotten in a fog of television and Internet surfing on cold and damp evenings.

If that seems like a familiar pattern to you, do not despair. You are far from alone.

“We see our numbers rise about 20 percent in January,” said Bill Haugen, aquatics director for the city of Lynnwood referring to attendance at the city pool. “But it seems to drop back by February.”

That is a pattern reported by local YMCA’s, municipal recreation centers and private fitness clubs. In fact, according to the website exrx.net, 50 percent of those who begin an exercise program will drop out within six months.

What is it that takes the bloom off of those dreams and hopes for the new year? What makes many of us park our new cross trainers in the back of the closet and turn our exercise bikes into glorified closet extensions?

According to Allen Oskoui, general manager of the Columbia Athletic Club and Silver Lake Club, both near Mill Creek, “Life happens.”

“People try to get into a routine, but things come up,” Oskoui said. “Kids get sick, work demands more time, and soon working out is not the priority it was. Making exercise a habit takes time.”

For some, just making it a habit is a lifelong effort.

“It isn’t just in January,” said Teresa Ora, speed walking along Sunset Avenue on the Edmonds waterfront. “I have started so many diets and exercise programs in my life, but they soon become boring or something comes up to take me off track.”

According to area fitness professionals and exrx.net, there are some basic strategies that can make regular exercise more palatable for even the most dedicated couch potato.

First, chose an activity that you find enjoyable and convenient. It also should be something within your physical capabilities. If you haven’t missed a night of television or your computer in a few years, a high impact aerobics class could do more harm than good. Start slowly and work up to more strenuous activities.

Secondly, set realistic goals. Remember you are working on a lifestyle change. It is fine to have a long-term goal like running in a marathon, but getting there is incremental. Also, keep in mind your overall physical condition. Check with your doctor before you start a new program.

Finally, remember it isn’t a competition. This is something you are doing for you. Try not to get involved in comparing performance or outcomes with others. Different levels of exercise effect different people in different ways.

If self-discipline isn’t your strongest characteristic, exercising with a friend is one solution. Another is to join an organized program such as the YMCA Total Health program, a new effort aimed directly at those who have struggled to develop a successful strategy for making exercise a component of daily life.

“We can even pair someone up with a partner,” said Courtney Kippenhan, Program Executive for the Shoreline/South County YMCA. “Or one of our staff can work with you. If they don’t see you around for a few days, they will call to see if everything is alright.”

The most important thing that is emphasized by professionals and participants alike is to not beat yourself up when you find you have stepped away from your chosen routine.

“Everyone misses a day or eats something not on their diet,” said Ora, the speed walker. “What is important is to get past it, get back on your program and try not to have it happen again … too soon!”