Trainer explains how to stick with New Year’s resolution to get fit

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — We’re days away from 2016 and many might be thinking about making a New Year’s resolution. Getting fit is a popular New Year’s resolution but for many it can be difficult to stick with it the whole year.

Down at the Wilmington Athletic Club people are reaching their fitness goals like Lisa Phelps, a club member.

“Who doesn’t want to feel better, look better,” said Phelps.

For Phelps each new year is another chance to better her health and her life.

“Initially it’s pretty hard to get started, but after you work out for a few weeks, you just feel better, and after you start feeling better then you want to do it more to continue to start feeling better and you start looking better, it’s kind of a domino effect,” said Phelps.

Chris Harper, Wilmington Athletic Club’s head trainer and fitness director, said getting to that point can be a challenge especially for those who’ve never worked out or those who haven’t worked out in a while.

“They’ll come in, they’ll get intimidated, they don’t quite understand what they are supposed to be doing then they get frustrated, because they are not seeing the results, they’re not seeing gains or anything of that nature and of course then they quit,” said Harper.

Harper said don’t quit, just set small reachable goals.

“You can’t set yourself up for failure, you have to set goals and achieve those goals, which you will, and you know each time you achieve a goal set something new,” said Harper.

Phelps said she has a new goal for 2016.

“I am going to try to play singles tennis, and be fairly competitive,” said Phelps. “In the past I have not been competitive,” said Phelps.

Harper said getting a trainer can really help keep you on track if your New Year’s resolution is to work out more.