MAKE YOUR "SOMEDAY" TODAY: WESTFIELD AREA Y TOGETHER WITH NJ YMCAS BRING RESOLUTIONS TO REALITY WITH FREE HEALTH & WELLNESS OPEN HOUSE

The Westfield Area Y located at 220 Clark Street in Westfield is pleased to announce they are joining local NJ YMCAs in a first-ever statewide fitness event and inviting the community to attend a free Health and Wellness Open House on Saturday, January 10th from 6:00 am – 8:00 pm to help promote positive personal change and good health.

Visit the Westfield Area Y on January 10 and enjoy:

· A workout in our cardio, strength training, free weight or fitness express rooms

· Group exercise classes, swimming and basketball (call 908-233-2700 or visit www.westfieldynj.org for schedules)

· Participate in a push-up or plank “fitness challenge”

It seems nearly everyone has a “New Year’s resolution,” but statistics indicate that less than a quarter of these resolutions are kept. Creating personal change takes effort, and support. To encourage individuals and families to make their resolutions a reality, YMCAs across the state have come together for the first time and agreed to hold Open House events at their local facilities on January 10th.

“Everyone resolves to improve,” says Lynne Applebaum, Associate Director, Health& Wellness/Membership. “We all say, “Someday I’ll get on a regular workout routine.’ ‘Someday I’ll play sports again.’ ‘Someday I’ll have more time to spend with my kids.’ Our message is: why keep waiting? The Y is a place where you can do this today.”

Because personal change can be difficult, it’s important to take steps to make sure you stick with a routine:

· Write it down: Write down exactly what you want to accomplish… and don’t hide it away in your desk drawer! Post your goals in a prominent place where you’ll view them, and remind yourself, every day. Keep a journal of your progress, so you can measure yourself and keep yourself accountable.

· Get comfortable with being outside your comfort zone: If change was easy, more people would succeed. Accept that change is difficult. Embrace the challenge.

· Become active: Schedule into your day time for you and/or your family to engage in physical activity. Walk, swim, bike on your own or take an exercise class. There is a social aspect to taking fitness classes which increases your probability for continued exercise. Whether or not your goals are fitness-related, eating properly and being physically engaged is important to a healthy lifestyle.

· Don’t do it alone: Difficult changes can become almost impossible when you bear the weight alone. It’s important to enlist support. A support system not only holds you accountable, it makes things more fun. Let others help you, and you’ll not only be more likely to accomplish your goals, you’ll foster stronger relationships in your life.

Membership specials, personal training specials and refer a friend specials will be available on January 10th. Visit westfieldynj.org to learn more about Westfield Area Y programs. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify.