New Year’s resolutions have been made, and the resolve to take better care of one’s self is as popular as ever. Whether you want to lose a few pounds, exercise more or just adopt a healthier lifestyle, the Center for Health and Wellness in Clinton is ready and excited to help you keep your resolutions and reach your goals.
Located at 417 East Johnson St., the Center for Health and Wellness offers a variety of health and exercise opportunities for everyone in the community, no matter what your skill level or wallet size.
“One of our most popular activities that is open to everyone, including non-members, is our group runs and group bikes. We just meet at the front door of the center and head out,” says Robin Palmer, wellness educator and programming manager for the Center of Health and Wellness. “People really enjoy this activity because they’re comfortable. There are people with varied skill levels that participate. You don’t have to run the whole time; you can walk if you prefer. It’s about whatever works for you.”
The indoor walking track in the Health and Wellness facility is also open to the public Monday through Friday from noon until 1 p.m.
“Another popular and really fun opportunity open to the public is our Monday night line dancing class which is taught by a nurse from the hospital,” shares Palmer. Although free, class participants can give a monetary donation of any amount if they wish. “Most people give a dollar or two. The donations go to the Sampson Regional Medical Center Foundation which helps do a lot of good things for the hospital and community,” notes Palmer.
The Center for Health and Wellness is also partnering with various local agencies to further help community members live healthier. “We’re partnering with the local Department of Aging to offer Tai Chi classes, and we’re partners with the NC Cooperative Extension to offer a class called “Eat Smart, Move More, Weigh Less” which really explains everything in its title,” says Palmer, noting that registration and a $30 fee is required for this particular class, but notes it’s defintely worth it.
“Our main goal isn’t enrollment, although we’d love to welcome new members. Our main priority to help people in the community find physical activities that they enjoy and can stick with. It’s about helping them lead a healthier lifestyle,” says Palmer.
However, if you’re thinking about becoming a member, there’s no better time than the present, especially since the Wellness Center is offering a special during the month of January to help those making resolutions to lose weight and live healthier.
“The January special we’re running is half price of our usual enrollment which is a hundred dollars, so you’re saving fifty dollars right away. Plus, we’re also offering new members the first month free, another fifty dollar savings,” says Palmer. “We have a great facility and it’s really the perfect time to become a member. We’re also happy to give potential members a tour of the facility and a day pass so that they can experience it for themselves to see if it’s really something they’re interested in.”
Members have access to the Health and Wellness facility which includes a six lane swimming pool and basketball/volleyball and racquetball courts. There’s also a huge variety of classes to choose from. “Some of the most popular classes are Zumba, yoga, aerobics, and spinning classes,” says Palmer.
“We encourage people to try a number of classes until they find the ones that work for them,” explains Palmer. “I’m afraid that sometimes people just do a specific activity or take a certain class because their friends are doing it or because it’s the popular thing. When they try it and don’t like it, then they feel like a failure. That’s not what it’s about. What really matters is that you find something that you like and can stick to, because if you don’t like it, you’re not going to continue.”
For those worried about keeping their New Year’s resolutions to eat better and exercise more, Palmer suggests making small changes and aiming for short-term goals. “Start slow and be paitent. Don’t make unrealistic goals. For example, don’t say you’re going to go to the gym everyday and work out for two hours and lose 50 pounds. Instead, try to take one ten minute walk a few days a week. Try to just lose one pound a week.”
Also, do not think about dieting. “Whenever I hear the word “diet,” I immediately want to eat everything I shouldn’t,” says Palmer. “Start out by just trying to eliminate one bad food from what you usually eat. If it’s drinking sodas, then limit yourself to one a day at the beginning, then to one a week, and so on until you can eventually quit.”
“It comes down to slow, steady progress and making short-term goals that can turn into long-term healthy living,” shares Palmer. “That’s really what we want for our community.”
For more information, visit the Center for Health and Wellness’ website at www.tchw.org or give them a call at (910) 596-5400.
Post a Comment
