On the Run with Sam: New Year, New Ideas

New Year, New Ideas 

We all know the trope of the new year is that everyone makes a brave resolution to hit the gym or accomplish some other fitness-related goal. Typically, before the month’s end, these goals are abandoned for something more manageable, or nothing at all.

Who says the new year needs to be all about fitness? Why not try something else to better yourself? Like, say, adding more vegetables to your diet or keeping a goal list of free activities to do in the area? There are many places in the Capital Region and surrounding environs that offer free activities.

While many of you love running, walking, or other activities, there is always opportunity to branch out and try new things. Personally, if I’m not in the mood to run, I feel lucky to have plenty of ice-skating rinks to skate at in the Capital Region. The Times Union wrote an informative article last month on where to find these rinks.

In upstate New York, the winter is blistery-cold when the wind kicks in, so being outside may not be ideal for some of us. Luckily, there are plenty of museums in the area with free or donation-based admissions when you decide to head inside. This year, instead of making yourself just a better runner, walker, etc., make yourself a more well-rounded individual by finding and keeping up the activities that fulfill you. If this style of resolution does not fully entice you, let’s talk about making your goals a habit.

My first recommendation is not to be too passionate about making large life changes in January. It might sound great to “go big or go home,” but in terms of fitness-related goals, this is how you can get hurt and burnt out. Start small. It is much better to make incremental and real progress towards a goal rather than reorienting your entire life around a goal that can only be sustained for a month. Remember, your resolutions do not only have to stretch to one year. The best fitness goals are ones that establish long-term and sustainable behaviors that last a lifetime.

You aren’t going to become the best version of yourself, whatever that may be, with only one year of work. Take the time to figure out what works best for you.

Happy New Year!

Samantha Simmons