Kingsport Fitness and Wellness Society

So how many times have you told yourself that today is the day that you’ll start eating better and exercising more? We all know that sometimes it is easier said than done. Knowing that we need to make behaviour changes for a healthier lifestyle is one thing, following through on them and then sticking to them is something else entirely. Five tips to help make behaviour changes that stay with you:

Make a plan – Be specific and set goals. Double check to make sure that everything you’ve planned is realistic. Write your plan down and put it somewhere you can see it.

Start small – Break your goals down into small, manageable steps that you can measure. Being able to achieve small steps builds confidence.

Change one behaviour at a time – Focus on one change at a time, too many changes can become overwhelming. Habits are something that are developed over time, so slow and steady wins this race.

Involve a buddy – Including someone in your plan provides you with motivation and accountability. Sharing trials and successes makes the change more manageable. Choose someone who is positive and supports your short and long-term goals.

Ask for support – Don’t be afraid to ask for help, it can help bolster you when times get tough. If you feel you can’t do it on your own, there are professionals (dietitians, fitness professionals, therapists, etc.) who can provide you with the information you may need to make health decisions.

If one of your goals is to be more active, take a look at our varied program. Every class has people in it just like you. We take exercise together, make and maintain friendships and have fun while keeping active. For more information, take a look at our facebook page: Kingsport Fitness and Wellness Society and blog: http://kingsportfitnessandwellness.blogspot.ca/ Or call Melanie (902 582 7700) or Christine (902 692 8277). Although our classes take place at the Lloyd Memorial Centre in Kingsport, we have regular participants from Canning, Sheffield Mills, Delhaven and beyond...

Strength and Cardio Fitness: Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9-10 am. Each class includes balance, strength and endurance training, warm up, cool down and stretching. Drop-in fee: $4.00 a class or $25 for 8 classes. First class free! Instructor: Christine Heap.

Co-Ed Circuit Training: Tuesday and Thursday 5:30-6:30 pm. This is a great strength training workout with cardiovascular benefits and fits well into a busy lifestyle. If your aim is to increase cardiovascular and muscular endurance, lose body fat and tone the body, this is the class for you! Drop-in fee $4 or $25 for 8 classes. Instructors: Christine Heap and Melanie Amos.

Gentle Yoga, all levels: Monday 10:15-11:15 am. A slow paced class, we work on increasing strength, flexibility, balance and range of motion, while becoming aware of the breath and mindfulness. You learn the fundamental yoga postures while emphasizing safe alignment in a fun, relaxed environment. $42 for 6 classes or $7.50 drop in. Instructor: Melanie Amos.

Vinyasa Flow Yoga, all levels: Monday 5:30-6:45 pm. Focusing on safe alignment, you move through the yoga postures gaining core strength, balance and flexibility while using the breath and calming the mind. $45 for 6 classes or $10 drop in. Instructor: Melanie Amos

Men's Yoga, all levels: Tuesday 4-5 pm. This gentle, stimulating class works on the basic yoga postures while increasing flexibility, balance and range of motion in a relaxed supportive atmosphere. $45 for 6 classes or $10 drop in. Instructor: Melanie Amos.