New Year Resolutions for Staying Healthy and Fit

Start the New Year by making health related resolutions

Here we are just a few days from bringing in a New Year and I bet some of you are looking at making a New Year’s Resolution.

 According to a recent Nielsen poll the most common New Year’s Resolution, made by Americans, is to lose weight,.  Worldwide the majority of us, 56 percent, will be making some sort of Resolution to bring in 2010.

In the midst of the holiday season and as the year comes to a close its easy to see why losing weight would top the Resolution list as we enjoy the wonderful excesses of food and drink during the holiday season.

The truth of the matter is that we seem so worried about what we eat between Christmas and the New Year, that we really should be more concerned about what we eat between the New Year and Christmas.

Besides weight loss other people will be resolving to quit smoking or to exercise more regularly or even to be able to eat a more nutritious and balanced diet.  Of course, all of these resolutions lead to becoming a healthier, happier, and more productive person.

There seems to be something refreshing and definitive about resolving to make changes at the beginning of a brand New Year.

Mayor Kenoi

Hawaii Island Mayor, Billy Kenoi, loves to exercise by having fun in the ocean.  “For me, the roads that lead to physical fitness are the roads that lead to Honoli’i, Lymans and Pohoiki,” Kenoi said.  “I find myself more centered mentally and more energetic when I can spend an hour on a surfboard or get a workout on my new paddleboard.”

“My resolution for 2010 is to somehow find more time to hit the waves, and to set aside time to surf with my kids.  I want to be sure I pass on to them the habits of a healthy lifestyle,” the mayor said.

County Councilman Pete Hoffmann believes that all of us should emphasize individual fitness and good health practices, regardless of our age or profession.  Hoffmann is a man that believes in exercise as he has completed 28 Honolulu Marathons (26.2-miles) with the latest coming just two weeks ago.

“While the general economic downturn might limit the number of potential activities for many families, we are blessed here on the Big Island with a wide variety of year-round sports and fitness opportunities and a climate that supports these efforts,” Hoffmann said. 

“There simply is no excuse for residents here not to participate in an active life-style that encourages any number of worthwhile health and fitness programs.  I would encourage all to have this on their personal list of New Year resolutions,” Hoffmann said.

Clifton Tsuji

State House Representative, Clifton Tsuji, believes as we age it becomes difficult to avoid putting on some weight.  “It seems to me that the aging process makes me gain weight and lose height,” he said.

Tsuji suggest that jogging and other physical exercise may not be enough to make a change.  “As House Ag chair, please be reminded and resolve to buy fresh, buy local, and eat local, it’s good for you.  Resolve to support Hawaii agriculture!” Tsuji said.

Jerry Chang can often be found on the side of Big Island roads jogging a couple of miles on a regular bases.  The State House Rep has also made a New Year resolution, “I guess my New Year’s resolution is to run at least three miles at least four times a week, and to eat more fruits and vegetables, while cutting down on sweets,” he said.

Jerry Chang

No matter what your resolution maybe for 2010 the difference between obtaining your goals and failing to succeed lie in your motivation and determination.

Maintain a positive, can do attitude, and believe in yourself and the ability of your inward strength.  You may need to take a step or two backwards during your quest to achieve your fitness goals for 2010, but the advances will continue if you do not give up in yourself.

It is said that continuous effort, not strength or intelligence, is the key to unlocking your fullest potential.

Good luck and here’s wishing all of you the brightest, happiest and fittest New Year.

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