Southwest Florida's Health and Wellness Magazine Health and Wellness Articles
By Greg Pascucci
An estimated 188.9 million adult Americans committed to making a lifestyle change in 2021. But, unfortunately, a study found only 8 percent were successful. Experts suggest evaluating your previous strategies and results, then developing a realistic, achievable game plan to stay motivated all year long.
Here are a few additional tips for success:
Be S.M.A.R.T.
Think of the acronym S.M.A.R.T. when creating your New Year’s resolutions. They need to be specific, measurable, attainable/achievable, relevant and time-
bound. For example, start with a concrete goal such as losing 20 pounds in 5 months. You’ll need to be able to track your weight loss goals, perhaps in a journal or a chart, to make them measurable. It also needs to be attainable/achievable – can you realistically accomplish the goal in the desired timeframe? It needs to be relevant for optimum success, something you care about achieving. Goals also need to be time-bound, which may involve breaking your original goal into smaller, more manageable sub-goals like losing 4 pounds per month.
Make it a Team Approach
Another way to achieve your goals is to let others know about them. Your friends will be your biggest cheerleaders and keep you motivated.
At The Carlisle Naples, an active retirement community, we call this the “Power of We.” It’s not unusual for residents to stop in to visit a neighbor who may have missed a workout class or for a staff member to check in with a resident who has committed to leading a more active lifestyle.
Zest Director Marcia Aldana compares it to being part of a supportive family combined of dining staff, chefs, housekeepers, care and wellness teams, and friends and neighbors who come together to help you thrive.
Switch it Up
If you’ve hit a rut, consider switching things up a bit. Doing the same exercise every day, for example, may become monotonous, causing you to slack off on your goals.
The Carlisle understands the need to keep residents inspired and motivated. More than 10 opportunities for physical fitness are offered each week, with classes designed for all fitness levels. Classes range from the gentle movement of tai chi to a high-energy water aerobics class. Additionally, residents looking to stay healthy in a non-traditional workout setting, can also burn calories on the onsite putting green or by playing a few rounds of virtual bowling with friends via the Wii gaming console.
Take Small Steps
You don’t have to spend hours in the gym to begin reaping the many benefits of a more active lifestyle. Research from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that all older adults can benefit from regular, moderate physical activity. This is true even for people with medical conditions such as arthritis, heart disease, obesity and high blood pressure.
For Carlisle residents who may feel overwhelmed about the myriad of exercise classes, Aldana encourages them to simply show up and do what they can. Over time, they’ll find they’re growing stronger, improving their overall health, and forming great friendships with neighbors.
The Carlisle’s FreshZest initiative is also a welcomed addition for residents wishing to take small steps. The FreshZest menu, part of the expansive dining choices available in the community’s restaurant, incorporates plant-based, whole-food options such as Artichoke with Cremini Mushroom Eggplant Cannelloni, Crispy Bean Chimichanga, Potato and Spinach Gnocchi and Pad Thai Spaghetti Squash. The delicious and nutritious options are perfect for residents adopting a more balanced diet.
“Diet and exercise play a tremendous role in our life, especially as we age,” added Aldana. “It’s so important to take better care of our bodies, not just for the short-term but for the long-term as well. At The Carlisle Naples, we’re focused on the healthspan of residents, where they lead better, healthier lives through preemptive and holistic wellness programs.”
Located at 6945 Carlisle Court in Naples, The Carlisle offers spacious one-and two-bedroom residences, weekly housekeeping and flat linen services, basic cable TV, all utilities except telephone, and a complimentary full breakfast plus choice of lunch or dinner in the community’s gourmet-style restaurant.
For more information about the community, please call 239-221-0017 or visit www.TheCarlisleNaples.com.
Luxury Rental Retirement Living
6945 Carlisle Court, Naples, FL 34109
239-221-0017 . www.TheCarlisleNaples.com
