With 2017 halfway over, did you set a fitness goal and achieve it, or are still working toward achieving it?
Angie Parker of Resolution Fitness in Battle Ground made a summer goal to exercise outside every day.
In January, data marketing company iQuanti compiled a list of the most popular resolutions based on Google searches. Like many years, getting healthier ranked at the top.
In Battle Ground, Resolution Fitness owner Angie Parker said there is always a New Year’s rush at her gym that lasts into early spring, but it inevitably tapers off.
“There’s always that peak flow of people, then it dips,” she said.
Three Clark County women who are still going strong with their resolutions are Shirley Heck, Amy Pace and Cindy Hannan. Each have been doing personal training with Pamela Easter of Brush Prairie for the last six months. Last week they spoke with The Reflector about how it’s going.
Cindy Hannan, 63
Goal: Lose weight and get stronger
Before starting, Hannan said she was discouraged and had doubts about succeeding.
“Within a few weeks her (Easter’s) enthusiasm and encouragement lit a spark of hope in me,” said Hannan.
Hannan has lost 28 pounds so far.
“I definitely feel better about myself at this point,” Hannan said. “I am down two sizes in clothing and I am so excited about that, I almost want to wear the size on the outside of the jeans — almost.”
Hannan said the biggest struggle has been her eating plan, specifically making good choices about which foods to avoid.
“I am making better food choices now but I still need to work on that,” she said.
Shirley Heck, 74
Goal: Strengthen balance and overall fitness
Heck said as a senior she has become more aware of the need to devote time and effort into staying fit. She said her work is paying off because her husband frequently makes comments about her looking more toned and she’s noticed an ability to manage activities that would have fatigued her in the past.
“I don’t expect to feel like I did earlier in my life, but I am encouraged and do feel like I can continue to do things I enjoy like hiking, biking and work in my backyard,” she said.
Heck said at some points during the process frustration has set it, but she kept working hard.
“It is the kind of endeavor where you don’t necessarily see immediate results, so you might be inclined to give up,” she said.
Amy Pace, 39
Goal: Be healthier
Pace said she did not set any statistical numbers to reach before starting her resolution.
“My goal was to just be healthier,” she said. “Of course, losing weight is a bonus. I have lost 45 pounds.”
Pace said the hardest part of getting healthier has been the food.”
“You have to be very intentional about thinking what to eat and getting it ready,” Pace said. “I love food, so this one is a bit harder.”
Pace said another road block has been getting out of her own way.
“Everyone has the potential to make a change; sometimes we are the biggest problem,” she said. “Just let yourself get it done.”
Pace said her resolution has made actions such as running after her child and buying clothes easier to do.
“My biggest secret is being committed,” Pace said. “I started saying, ‘I’m going to run.’ Now I do, and I sort of like it.”
