Northshore magazine showcases the best that the North Shore of Boston, MA has to offer.
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/438368
50 | JANUARY + FEBRUARY 2015 nshoremag.com It's that time again when we step on the scale, look in the mirror, and say, "This year I'm going to…." Whether you end that sentence with lose weight, get fit, or drop a dress size—or two—it typically starts with a New Year's resolution. But how do we stick to an exercise program once that statement is uttered? Personal trainer Kathy Garbick says making a promise on that one day of the year is our first mistake. "To really get in shape you need to have that resolve every day—not just on January 1," she says. "You also need to build exercise into your daily routine— like brushing and flossing your teeth." Garbick, who is a trainer at Fitness Together in Andover, has been athletic her whole life, winning a scholarship to Boston College for track and field. She continues to make exercise part of her daily activities, and is pas - sionate about helping her clients achieve their exercise goals and live healthier lifestyles. Garbick believes, "In order to make your fitness goals a reality, you need to set small goals and be specific." Lisa Swanson, personal trainer and owner of Fitness Together, agrees. "The top reason New Year's resolutions fail is setting unrealistic long-term goals," she says. "Break your goals down into smaller increments and then celebrate reaching each step." Swanson explains, the second failure in sticking to a resolution is not knowing how to reach your goal. "Everyone is different and needs a combination of resistance training, cardio workouts, and a well-balanced nutri - tion plan that works for them." Swanson, w ho has been a trainer for 30 years, had worked in various office jobs but could never find anything that really ex - cited her until she got into exercise. "I loved the way being fit felt. I was fas- cinated by nutrition and how it affects our bodies as well as our state of mind," she says. This led Swanson to get her American Coun - cil on Exercise certifica- tions in personal training, group fitness, and orthopedic exercise, as well as an American Academy of Sports Dietitians and Nutritionists specialist certifi - cation. "I love to pass all of my knowledge on to others. Life is simply too short to not be happy and healthy, and fitness is a big part of that," she says. Garbick explains, it's hard to change old habits whether it is your diet or exercise routine. "The key is to create new behaviors," she says. "People often make resolutions to reinvent them - selves, believing that their whole life will change. When their life is not transformed, they often revert back to old behaviors and put the weight back on." Swanson agrees, and her best advice is to attach your goal to something meaningful. What is the driving force behind that 40-pound weight loss goal? Ask yourself why, and that will help you stay motivated to follow through with your workouts and eating healthy foods." BY NANCY E. BERRY We talk to fitne s experts to get the inside scoop on how to be successful in our fitne s goals this coming year. New Year's Resolve GARBICK'S EXERCISE ADVICE Ease into a routine Set reasonable goals (even if it is just 10 to 15 minutes a day) Plan ahead Make exercise a priority Make a lifestyle change Focus on treating your body well through exercise and nutrition CONTACT Fitness Together 166 N. Main St. 3A, Andover 978-623-8181 fitne stogether. com/andover photographs by Lightshed Photography (top), Sarah Jordan (bottom) Lisa Swanson has been a fitne s trainer for more than 30 years. Kathy Garbick believes time is the biggest excuse for foregoing fitne s.