Committing to your New Year’s resolution on campus

By Marina Rangel |Staff Writer|

The month of January sees a spike in hope and commitment to a new person that is ready to finally say “NO!” to those chicken nuggets and french fries and walk into that gym they’ve been telling themselves they’ll sign up for tomorrow.

According to the History Channel, making New Year’s resolutions began with the ancient Babylonians, who made promises to start the year off right. The act of setting goals to better ourselves has not been lost over time.

“Write down goals or else they’re wishes,” said Student Recreation and Fitness Center staff member, Mark Esho, while coaching me on how to keep close to my resolution of getting fit.

Esho suggested having an external motivator like a new pair of jeans or a girlfriend to help with weight goals; just as the ancient Babylonians made goals to get in a good favor with their gods.

There is no doubt that gym memberships rise at the beginning of the year but how informed are those making the decision to become healthier?

As a student, I was unaware of how much opportunity is available at the SRFC. I never would have guessed students could get an abundance of help from our school to help sticking to those resolutions.

The SRFC was the first stop in becoming more informed on the journey of turning my resolution into a success.

“It’s important to take more initiative on getting to the gym and all our programs have created a lot of excitement,” said Erin Brogan, staff member of the SRFC.

A modern campus facility, the SRFC turns five in April and offers a variety of workout machines and weights, sauna, 34-foot rock wall, day lockers, multi-purpose gym, personal training and an operational staff to assist with any questions.

As students access to these resources are at our finger tips at no extra cost.

Some fun ways to keep that resolution include attending one of the Group EX classes in the fitness center. If bench pressing and pull ups aren’t the ideal means of reaching your goals,  consider dance options like Hip Hop, Zumba or belly dancing. Numerous self-defense classes are offered and a range of intensity courses from yoga and pilates to circuit training and boot camp can be explored.

Personal Training is one of the few programs that cost students extra, but are great for those in need a little guidance amd planning on the road to better diet and exercise.

Many New Year’s resolutions fall short of success, but considering our resources, not striving for better health does not need to be one of them. Visiting recsports.csusb.edu can provide students with wellness tips and upcoming fitness events.

“I lost 40 pounds last year and I want to lose more this year; you just have to do it,” said student Sally Nguyen, a witness to resolutions being more than dreams.