January Fitness Tips: Kickstart Your New Year with these simple strategies

The Statesville Fitness & Activity Center is here to help you achieve your New Year’s resolutions with practical tips to make your fitness journey enjoyable, effective, and sustainable. Whether you're stepping into a fitness routine for the first time, getting back on track after a break, or looking to elevate your current workouts, we’ve got you covered. Our goal is to provide guidance and support, ensuring that your path to health and wellness is not just another resolution but a lasting lifestyle change.

We’re committed to making your fitness goals achievable and rewarding, no matter your starting point. Let’s kick off the year strong—together!

Getting Started

New year, new goals! But where do you begin? Start with activities you love.

Enjoyment is key to building consistency and making movement a regular part of your life. Once you've established a routine, consider exploring new exercises to challenge yourself and keep things interesting.

Have you heard about our Beginner's Running Class that starts February 25, 2025? Learn more on our website here.

Lunch Break Workout

Cold, dark mornings and evenings can sap your motivation to move. Instead, try fitting in a midday workout.

A brisk walk, jog, or quick gym session during lunch not only boosts your mood and energy but also takes advantage of daylight and slightly warmer temperatures. Or make the most of what you have at the office with pushups on the side of your desk and squats!

Plan It Out

Fitness goals work best with a solid plan. Use these simple steps to organize your workout routine and stay on track:

• Set a schedule: Choose specific days and times for your workouts.

• Pick a location: Decide whether you’ll exercise indoors or outdoors.

• Choose your type of exercise: Alternate between cardio, strength, and flexibility workouts.

• Prepare your equipment: Lay out your running shoes, weights, yoga mat, or other essentials in advance.

Having a plan reduces stress and gives you a sense of accomplishment as you check off your goals!

Our Group Fitness Classes offer a great option for indoor workouts. You can view the schedule on our website here.

Treadmill Tips

Treadmills are a fantastic option for winter workouts when outdoor conditions are less than ideal. For a more natural experience, set the incline to 1-2%. Beginners should start on a flat incline, increasing speed and grade gradually to avoid injury. Keep in mind that inclines above 7% may put extra strain on your joints, so increase with caution.

The Statesville Fitness & Activity Center offers a state-of-the-art fitness and recreation facility dedicated to helping the citizens and visitors of Statesville live healthy lifestyles. Not a member? Learn more on our website here.

Strength Training: Starting Strong

New to strength training and wondering how much weight to use?

Focus on proper form and aim for 3 sets of 10 repetitions per exercise. Select a weight that challenges you, allowing you to finish the first set with moderate difficulty. Rest 20-30 seconds between sets.

By the third set, you should feel pushed but still able to complete the reps. When it becomes easy, slightly increase the weight to continue your progress.

The Statesville Fitness & Activity Center is here to support you on your fitness journey, whether you’re a beginner or looking to reach new heights. Remember, every step forward counts—let’s make January your month to shine!

For more fitness tips, classes, or membership information, visit us at the Fitness & Activity Center or check out our website here.

Have questions or would you like to learn more? Please use the form to contact us here.

Stay active, Statesville!