December is quickly coming to a close and the New Year will see people across America resolving to do better at this, or to quit that. They will look to quit smoking, eat less, workout more, shed those unwanted pounds, get rid of those dreaded love handles and even spend hard earned money to join that new gym in town.
Unfortunately, virtually all of these resolutions are doomed to life in the circular file with all the resolutions of years past. In an article in the Huffington Post last year titled "New Year's resolutions are bound to fail. Try this instead," an estimated 92 percent of New Year's resolutions will fail.
I usually fall into that demographic. I have resolved to shed weight and slim down so I could get into my prized jeans with the 34-inch waist for years only to see my goal pass quickly by as I sat on the couch staring at whatever was on the television.
However, an interview I conducted in April opened up my eyes, showing the error of my ways and getting me off my fourth point of contact.
I had interviewed Capt. Renzie Rahim, with Moncrief Army Health Clinic about the Army Training Center's Civilian Fitness and Wellness Program -- where civilian employees and their supervisors work with health care professionals to allow workers to take time during their work week to hit the gym and get in shape. He looked at me trying to figure out where he knew me from and said, "Oh yes, I see you running around post each morning."
Little did he know, by that time I had become so sedentary I couldn't even walk from my couch to the refrigerator for another snack without getting tired. (Well, I wasn't that bad, but I was getting closer to it than I ever wanted.) I was shocked and happy he would see me doing something like that and resolved to change myself.
My first step was to start watching what I ate. A mobile phone application helped me count the calories and keep them to a manageable level. You have no idea how many calories you eat until you begin to count each one. A 2,000 calorie diet isn't much when an average lunch or dinner can reach, or exceed, your daily limit.
On top of watching what I ate, I got off the couch and began pounding the pavement -- walking a few miles at first, and then gradually stepping up the pace to a jog before being able to run four miles without a hitch.
I'm not the fittest person on Fort Jackson, but I have slimmed down; I feel better and my productivity has improved dramatically. The hard work paid off -- I have a spring in my step, and I'm more confident than I have been in a long time -- and I am able to fit into those jeans.
I did it on my own, but you don't have to. Fort Jackson has many different programs to help improve your overall fitness. There are program like the CFWP, and the Directorate of Family, Morale, Welfare and Recreation's Biggest Loser Challenge 2018 that can help. The post also holds various exercise events throughout the year.
The Biggest Loser Challenge 2018 began Jan. 2 and runs through April 2. Contestants can compete in either fitness, weight loss or total lifestyle change categories. Family and MWR staff will help entrants to reach their goals through group exercise classes and healthy eating consultations.
As Carol McCoy, a human resource specialist with ATC said in an interview last year about the CFWP, "what have you got to lose?"
For me I lost excess baggage, but gained confidence and finally reached my goal of fitting in my favorite pants. Fort Jackson community members have resources at their disposal to help them finally complete those New Year's resolutions -- they just need to step out of their comfort zone.
Community members looking for more information on the Biggest Loser Challenge can call 751-3700.
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