Building a healthy 2025: Find something physically active that ‘drives you to come back’

MACOMB (WGEM) – Becoming more physically fit and eating clean are two common New Year’s resolutions, but can be easier said than done.

According to the CDC, roughly 24 percent of adults 18 and older meet physical activity guidelines for both aerobic and muscle-strengthening activity.

Tanya Schmidt, the director of fitness and gymnastics at the YMCA of McDonough County, first suggests finding something physically active that you love doing. Avoiding this, she said, can result in having the same resolution the next year. Click here to learn more about the YMCA of McDonough County.

“That New Year’s resolution should be, ‘I want to get into something that will keep me active that I like doing,’” Schmidt said.

Resolutioners might associate health and fitness with having to step foot in a gym, but Schmidt believes fitness comes in many different forms. For example: dancing, swimming, hiking or playing a recreational sport like pickleball.

“Whatever that interest is that actually drives you to keep doing it is going to be what makes it successful,” Schmidt said.

Schmidt said finding a motivating factor to begin a fitness journey is also key. She referred to it as “finding your why.” Having a workout partner, or accountability partner, can also make the journey more enjoyable.

Before deciding which activities, classes or workouts to participate in, Schmidt said to self-evaluate to determine your current fitness level. Additional things to consider include age, balance and mobility.

If balance is poor, she suggests prioritizing balance and agility workouts or classes. Strength training can still be utilized, but Schmidt suggests machines, which are safer, until your balance improves.

Some might lack the confidence to participate in fitness classes or workout in a gym. Schmidt’s motto is that everyone starts somewhere.

Building confidence first goes back to finding something you enjoy doing, and additionally, finding an environment that makes you feel comfortable.

Over time, confidence will build.

”Suddenly you get the idea of, I think I could try and do maybe that other weightlifting class for the fit over 50, those concepts are coming, and it’s not something you’re afraid, dreading, or having to talk yourself in to, it’s something that you’re kind of thinking you want to try,” Schmidt said.

To get a feel for different programs, Schmidt suggests seeing if your local fitness clubs or gyms have designated passes.

Leslie Godfrey, a nursing assistant at McDonough District Hospital, began her fitness journey not that long ago. She started exercising to combat osteoporosis.

Over time, fitness quickly became a lifestyle for Godfrey.

“I was still young, and I didn’t want to deal with that [osteoporosis] already,” Godfrey said.

Godfrey’s fitness journey has most recently landed her on the fitness competition stage. While your goals might not align with Godfrey’s, she had advice that applies to anyone who desires to live a healthier life in 2025.

“Once you take action and you start doing it, you’re going to see results, and you’re going to see a better and healthier you. You’re going to see a difference in your blood work. You’re going to see a difference in your body,” she said.

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