Students resolve to change

A new semester and a new year means students across campus will flock to the fitness center to fulfill their resolutions for 2012. While many will begin the year motivated to work out regularly and eat a healthy diet, only a handful will reach their goal.

The Challenge

David Pearson, associate professor of exercise science, has seen 30 years worth of Ball State students full of resolve attempt and fail to lose weight, get in shape and eat a balanced diet.

"The kids are getting bigger," Pearson said. "Even the students studying exercise science; less of them work out on a regular basis."

Pearson said he believes that unrealistic goals are the culprits behind the lack of people who maintain their resolutions.

"People forget how long it took to become out of shape and put on the weight. They set their goals too high and want to lose all of the weight very quickly," he said.

After failing to meet his resolutions to lose weight in past years, freshman architecture major Graden Hardwick is changing his approach this year.

"I usually set too high a goal and never reach it. So if I make any goals it's to, if any opportunity arises, take it," Hardwick said. "That way I'm not disappointed if I don't make my New Year's resolution, but I'll have gone out and tried something new and hopefully have made it."

The Solution

The resolution to become physically fit is not impossible, despite the number of people who fail to follow through with their plans.

"One simple piece of advice I always suggest is to make the workout part of the daily routine that is scheduled in [to the daily routine] just like a class or appointment," Anthony Mahon, professor of exercise science, said.

Senior music education major Alyssa Myers' found success in heeding this advice in past years.

"In the past, my resolutions have been to stick to a workout routine and a practice plan for my percussion recitals, and I've been successful," Myers said. "The workout plan worked for me because I'm pre-diabetic and working out is a great way to control that."

This year, Myers is furthering her efforts to be healthy by buying only whole grain and organic foods.

"My plan this year is to keep a strict schedule as in the past. I plan out my week's meals and make a detailed list so I won't buy anything that's not good for me," she said.

Rob Bell, assistant professor of physical education, agrees with the notion of routine in terms of seeing resolutions through.

"If people can make it six weeks, they have essentially ‘made it.' This is the amount of time needed for any type of behavior modification to become routine," Bell said.

Realistic goal setting allows people to adjust to a change in routine. Nicole Koontz, instructor of exercise science, said she believes small, measurable goals are key.

"If you have a long term goal, add short goals throughout to motivate yourself. Be specific with your goals as well. If you want to lose weight, ask yourself how much," Koontz said.

The age-old battle with junk food is also important when trying to become physically fit. Paying attention to portion sizes and calories in and out is crucial in order to drop pounds.

Pearson said he believes it is easier to see weight loss by modifying diets as opposed to working out.

"You lose weight much more quickly just by dropping something simple out of your diet. Dropping one candy bar a day is calorie loss equal to that of a workout. Don't over or underestimate any calorie taken in," he said.

Koontz said controlling portion size could result in serious weight loss.

"Some people just eat way more than they need to. If you're not playing football and you eat like a football player, the extra weight is inevitable," Koontz said.

The Fads

At the start of each new year, advertisements for diet pills, exercise equipment and fitness centers litter the media. These "too good to be true" solutions for weight loss attract those with the resolution to lose weight, but more often than not, fails them.

Pearson, who used to own a fitness center, said he warns those with resolutions to think about their method of attack carefully, and not rush out and spend money on things that may not work.

"The fitness industry thrives on New Year's resolutions because most people who go buy gym memberships in January never go back," he said.

While some gym memberships go wasted, it may be even more detrimental to purchase a piece of equipment to use at home.

"Most people who go out and buy fitness equipment end up having a very expensive coat hanger by March," Pearson said. "Some people are successful, but I recommend trying a facility first. Some equipment is upwards of $1,000. Finding a gym with certified professionals will provide meaningful information and guidance."

Those who are physically or financially unable to join a gym may have to exercise at home, but should be prepared to hold themselves more accountable.

"The social aspect of the gym means you're more likely to go, especially if you're paying for it. If it's not an option, finding a good support system at home will be beneficial," Koontz said.