Resolving to get in shape
Jason Pesick, Staff Writer

Inland Valley Daily Bulletin (Ontario, CA)
December 27, 2007
Section: News

The time of year has arrived when people vow to get in shape - but often don't. Gyms may seem a little cramped in January, but after a few weeks, dedication wanes. Here are six tips to help you fulfill your New Year's resolution to get healthy:

1 Find an activity you like

You're more likely to stick with an exercise program you enjoy, said Kat Davis, a trainer who teaches Zumba classes at Heritage Fitness in Fontana. Zumba is a Latin-inspired dance workout.
"It's a party atmosphere," she said of her classes. People like to socialize when they work out, and they don't like a boring activity that never changes, she said.
No matter what kind of exercise you choose, make sure it's something you like to do, Davis said.
 
2. Eat well and exercise
"Just eat right and exercise," said Dong Kwan "D.K." Kim who owns D.K. Kick-Boxing in Redlands. "What else can you do?"
That may sound obvious, but it's really the best way to get in better shape.
It's important to eat a diet that's low in fat but full of fruits and vegetables, said Maury Manliguis, San Bernardino County's deputy health officer.
It's especially important to try to stay away from fast food, he said.

3. Take a class or get a trainer
Sometimes all the machines and equipment can overwhelm people, said Davis. That's why it's often a good idea to get a trainer or to take fitness classes.
Group classes are included with membership at many gyms.

4. Look at nutrition labels and pay attention to portion size
"Reading labels is probably the biggest key," Manliguis said.
People often don't look at the labels and don't know what's in their diets, he said.
Sometimes they don't realize they're eating much more than the serving size. It's not a good idea, for example, to open a bag of potato chips and eat the whole thing. There's probably more than one serving in a bag, Manliguis said.
People also often eat too much meat, he said. The size of your fist is the amount of red meat you need in the day.
And alcohol can cause health problems, not only because drunken driving is dangerous, but also because alcohol is full of calories and doesn't provide much nutritional value, Manliguis said.
 
5. Try a city-run program
The community you live in may offer fitness programs. Chino has a community garden where residents not only can get outside and garden, but they can also grow healthy food.
Fontana broadcasts a healthy cooking class on its city cable station.
Many cities also have fitness activities, such as walking clubs.
A regional trail system spanning downtown Claremont to downtown Rialto is in the works. Some segments of the trail, like Upland's, are already complete and ready for joggers, walkers and bikers.

6. Be realistic
A regimen that's too strict could backfire, because it's more likely you'll stop following it, Manliguis said.
People who cut out too many calories put their bodies in a constant state of hunger, he said.
Before he was a doctor, Manliguis was a trainer, and he said people start intense gym routines that leave them sore and discouraged.
Magazine images of people in great shape don't always help, he said. What you look like has a lot to do with the genes your parents gave you.
"We're all different," Manliguis said.

jason.pesick@sbsun.com
(909) 386-3861