![]() ![]() "But we point out how their strength or flexibility is improving, or how their lean muscle mass is increasing. "People tend to get disillusioned when they don't see that number on the scale dropping," she said. Zimmerman said she also tries to de-emphasize the importance of weight loss. When people feel like they're accountable to another person, whether it's to a workout partner or an exercise coach, they're less likely to give up." "That's why we're starting a wellness coaching program here. ![]() "But most people need some type of external motivation," she said. Walters Family Branch YMCA in Hall County, said some people seem to have an inner drive to exercise and don't need outside help. Vanessa Zimmerman, health and wellness director at the J.A. "We cater to more mature women, who tend to be focused on health rather than weight loss, so we have a good retention rate," she said. Though Athena's attendance does increase in January and February, Pampalon said most members are not looking for a quick fix. But with many doctors, it's a touchy subject to bring up a patient's weight."Īnnette Pampalon, manager of the Athena Health Club, a women-only fitness center in Gainesville, said about 90 percent of her members "have either been to the doctor or they've just realized that they're aging and they need to start taking care of their health." I think physicians can have a huge influence on their patients. "But often, it's from their doctor telling them what's going to happen to them if they don't make changes. "For some people, hitting a big milestone like turning 40 or 50 is a big motivator. "They just seem to reach a magic moment in their life where they decide to get serious about it," said Debbie Wilburn, a consumer science agent with the Hall County Extension Service. Health concerns are a key motivator Just as many smokers try to quit a half-dozen times before they succeed, some people fail at fitness because they aren't psychologically ready. "You'll have better motivation if you have a long-term goal for improved health, rather than just trying to fit into a bathing suit by spring," she said. Nix said some people are only trying to get fit in preparation for a specific event. There also has to be an acknowledgment that the changes will be permanent. But incorporating smaller changes into your lifestyle is much more sustainable." "They try to make drastic changes at the beginning of January. "People often have unrealistic expectations," said Tracy Nix, a registered dietitian with the bariatrics program at Northeast Georgia Medical Center. The challenge for everyone who works in the health industry is figuring out why people don't stick to their diet and exercise goals, and what can be done to help them adopt changes that will last a lifetime. They get discouraged easily because they're looking for a quick fix." "Now, many fall off the wagon after only six weeks. "Most people used to drop out within eight to 12 weeks," she said. ![]()
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