Fitness: Your New Year’s resolutions…

As we get ever closer to the end of the year (and the beginning of the next), it is inevitable that conversations around New Year’s resolutions will soon crop up. To be honest, I am not sure why anyone bothers, as the majority off us will end up slipping off the bandwagon by February. Yes, this sounds a tad pessimistic, but a resolution should be something you are committed to (whence the world resolute). Yet too many of us make resolutions out of habit or custom, rather than because we really mean them…

Fitness and weightloss is usually at the top of the resolution list, so we asked a few of our contributors what their fitness plans are for 2015. I wonder how many of them will actually stick…

Angela Minot, Writer

“I am going to be focusing on my thighs, they are my problem area and I have never been able to shift the fat. I might get a personal trainer if I have the money. I have heard that lunges are the new black – I might try this for my butt and thighs – maybe even a butt blasting class.”

Becky Nichols, Assistant Make Up Artist

“I am actually quite fit already, I don’t watch what I eat but I workout everyday and go to fitness classes. The problem is finding time, I rush around all day and then go to the gym in the evening but I would love to go to morning classes. I think this would be best for my overall health and would help me kick-start the day. I make resolutions every year, but they are not around fitness they are usually around money! I spend so much on clothes and eating out so my resolution is to spend less. Fitness – I have that covered!”

Natasha King, Writer

“Ha ha! Like every year I am going to lose a stone and eat more healthily. We can all dream, so why not start the year off right? Seriously, I have put on so much weight and there is no point tackling that before Christmas – I fully intend on eating my way though it! I am going to get myself booked into dance classes as it sounds like a fun way to stay in shape.”

Kay Lofters, Retired

“I find it harder to exercise now I am older. However, I am watching my weight and keeping an eye on what I eat – I have a target goal that I am working towards. I miss running.”

Shana Lance, Contributor

“Oh, bite me.”

Resolutions from 2011:

Leslie Cousins, Contributor:

“My aim is to build up my stamina in the water and swim 100 meters at least 3 days a week. If you are blind or partially sighted, try counting the number of strokes when you swim a full length. This will save you from bumping your head on the wall especially if you’re doing back stroke!”

Linn Martinnussen, Journalist:

“Swimming is said to be one of the best workouts you can possibly do. It works all the muscles in your body as well as being a great aerobic exercise. If you are like me, not a big fan of sweating, you will definitely enjoy the clean feeling you’ll get after a water workout.”

Jill Daley, Insight Radio Producer and Presenter:

“I am hoping to get a little fitter by walking more. It is just the best way to tone up your legs and lose weight. It’s just starting off the routine that is the hardest bit! It’s hard to motivate yourself when it is cold and there is no sunshine! I used to walk 5 miles every day, and I felt great, but I think I also put a lot of pressure on myself to do this, and when I feel pressure…I dig my heels in! This time I’m going to be sensible, and do it in stages, and also take a friend. It is amazing just how far you can walk without realizing, especially when you are lost in conversation.”