Making New Year’s resolutions is a tradition for millions of Americans. However, while choosing a resolution is easy, sticking to it can be impossible. A 2014 nationwide YMCA survey found that less than a quarter of respondents kept their resolutions. Many (71 percent) tried, but stated that they fell short of their goals, while 40 percent confessed that gave up within the first few months, even weeks, of the New Year!

This year, the Boothbay Region YMCA is encouraging community members to give their New Year’s resolutions a boost by creating smaller, more manageable goals that can lead to success of a larger one. “’Getting healthy’ is not a goal—it’s too broad,” explains Abby Jones, Healthy Living Coordinator. “You can break down that broad resolution into multiple, more manageable and measurable goals. If you aren’t active at all right now, try to incorporate activity into your routine three days a week, before telling yourself that you’ll work out every single day.”

Everyone in the community is invited to write their resolution on the “Community Resolution Board” in the YMCA lobby and to like the Boothbay Region YMCA on Facebook for updates and inspiration related to the board throughout the month of January.

If you’re looking for support and accountability around a healthy living resolution, the Y is offering a 12 week Tabata Bootcamp Challenge that will run through March 31^st. Don’t be afraid of the name; this program is designed for all people, whether you are new or returning to exercise or you want to change up your routine in the New Year.

In the program, participants will group train twice per week with Jones. The workouts are high intensity and time efficient – only 35 minutes long! Participants will record their starting and final weights with optional weekly weigh ins. There’s also an option for additional support with daily recipes and workouts through the class website page.

For every group training session attended, participants may enter their name into a drawing for a free adult membership to the Y for the rest of 2017. The winner of the drawing will be announced at the end of the program.

The community and YMCA members are invited to free demo classes the first week of January to learn more about the program. The demo classes are Tuesday, Jan. 3 at 10:30am; Wednesday, Jan. 4 at 5 p.m.; Thursday, Jan. 5 at 10:30am; or Friday, Jan. 6 at 5pm. The program officially kicks off the week of Jan. 9.

For additional tips or to learn how to get involved with the Boothbay Region YMCA, contact 207-633-2855 or visit www.boothbayregionymca.org.