YMCA wellness directors are expecting approximately 2,000 new membership sign-ups in January as West Michigan residents make good on their New Year's resolutions.

The top physical New Year’s resolutions are:

1. Exercising to lose weight
2. Strength training to get in shape
3. Adopting better eating habits (nutrition)

The success rate for sticking with healthy lifestyle New Year’s resolutions has skyrocketed in the past few years. The 2011 statistics show that a full 80% of those to join the YMCA for the purpose of fulfilling their New Year’s resolution are still members one year after joining. That is about an 70% higher success rate from just five years ago.

This ever-increasing success trend is, according to the YMCA, due to increased awareness of the public who have seen firsthand that those who regularly exercise are living longer and better lives.

Also the YMCA, through its many years of experience of helping people succeed in accomplishing their New Year’s resolution goals, has identified what they call the “New Year’s Resolution Solution” to wellness.

“New Year’s Resolution Solution”

1. Do this for you!  Setting personal goals rather than goals based on others’ perceptions will help you feel more successful.
2. Have a Positive Mental Attitude!  Believe you can accomplish what you set out to do!
3. Assess Barriers: Know what might get in the way of you achieving your goals.
4. Make sure you are doing something you like to do. 
5. Set one or two achievable goals that will help increase your stamina.
6. Take one thing at a time to ensure that you won’t feel overwhelmed with your goals.
7. Get a Work-out Buddy to help with accountability and motivation.
8. Meet with any good personal trainer for a personalized training program.
9. Always be willing to try something new, it can help you overcome a barrier.
10. Reward yourself along the way to achieving your goals.