Still haven’t figured out a new year’s resolution for 2022? Don’t worry, the new year has only just begun.
How about a goal that will change your life for the better?
When thinking of new year’s resolutions, getting to the gym is one of the most commonly made objectives, but many don’t follow through with it.
Here is a guide to help you achieve your new year’s resolution of living a fit and active lifestyle.
Why Exercise?
Exercising on a regular basis can improve both your mental and physical well-being.
Acccording to doctors Lawrence Robinson, Jeanne Segal, Ph.D., and Melinda Smith, M.A. at helpguide.org, studies have shown that physical exercise can improve your mental health in a variety of ways.
Exercising has the benefits of boosting your mood, improving your sleep, and helping you deal with depression, anxiety, stress, and more.
Furthermore, the article suggests that exercise can treat ADHD, PTSD, and trauma as well.
The exercises don’t have to be the insanely vigorous HIIT (High Infective Intensity Training) workouts you often see on commercials for certain training programs.
Robinson et al. (2021) explain how a recent study done by the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health discovered how running for just 15 minutes a day or walking for an hour reduces the risk of major depression by 26%.
As for your physical health, doctors at mayoclinic.org list “seven benefits of regular physical activity.”
- Exercise controls weight
- Exercise combats health conditions and diseases
- Exercise improves mood
- Exercise boosts energy
- Exercise promotes better sleep
- Exercise puts the spark back into your sex life
- Exercise can be fun and social
Now that we’ve covered both the mental and physical benefits of incorporating exercise into your life, let’s address look at some motivational advice provided by Planet Fitness in their “Seven Motivating Gym Tips for Beginners.”
- Be Proud
- Stay Strong
- Work Hard
- Ask How
- Eat Up
- Be Realistic
- Rest and Repeat
Need ideas for where to begin your fitness journey? We’ve got you covered.
Luckily, there are more than plenty of options for gyms around UCF. Here are a few of them:
UCF Recreation and Wellness Center
Hours
| Monday | 6AM-Midnight |
| Tuesday | 6AM-Midnight |
| Wednesday | 6AM-Midnight |
| Thursday | 6AM-Midnight |
| Friday | 6AM–10PM |
| Saturday | 9AM-9PM |
| Sunday | 11AM-Midnight |
What they offer:
- Rock climbing
- Cardio equipment
- Strength machines
- Group exercise
- Athletic training
- “MAC” gym
- Multipurpose courts
- “Dedicated and enthusiastic” staff
Planet Fitness (Oviedo, FL)
Hours
| Monday | 5AM–Midnight |
| Tuesday | 24 hours |
| Wednesday | 24 hours |
| Thursday | 24 hours |
| Friday | 12AM-10PM |
| Saturday | 6AM-8PM |
| Sunday | 6AM-8PM |
What they offer:
- Strength theater
- Cardio theater
- Unlimited club access (Classic and Black Card Membership)
- Free fitness training (Classic and Black Card Membership
- Massage beds/chairs (Black Card Membership)
- Guest privileges (Black Card Membership)
- Tanning (Black Card Membership)
Crunch Fitness at Waterford Lakes
Hours
| Monday | 5AM–11PM |
| Tuesday | 5AM–11PM |
| Wednesday | 5AM–11PM |
| Thursday | 5AM–11PM |
| Friday | 5AM–10PM |
| Saturday | 7AM–7PM |
| Sunday | 7AM-7PM |
What they offer:
- Cardio, weights, and machines
- “Heavy” weights
- Group Fitness classes
- The “HIIT Zone”
- Online classes
- Personal training
- Sauna
- Guest privileges
Now, here’s to a healthy, fit, and productive 2022!
