Get in shape. It's the most obvious of New Year's resolutions, and those three little words have topped just about everyone's list of life goals at some point, especially around this time of year. After all, starting a fitness regimen seems extra-appropriate after a month of nonstop holiday feasting and indulgence.
And after adding that universal to-do to our own lists, we started to wonder if the city's exercise instructors, personal trainers, and yoga teachers were coming up with healthy living goals in January, too. So, we asked some of the DMV's coolest fitness professionals — from barre instructors to bootcamp coaches — to share their own New Year's resolutions, and their responses were downright inspiring. Plus, they spilled plenty of tips on how you (yes — you) can meet your goals this year. Take notes on their super-helpful advice, and we promise you'll want to lace up your sneakers, dust off your yoga mat, and get moving — and maybe stick with it past February, even.
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Inez Sobczak, Fit-nez
Inez Sobczak taught her first group fitness class while she was still in high school. She now owns boutique studio Fit-nez, where she specializes in personal training, remote coaching and online training, boot camps, and personalized nutrition counseling. And when she has free time, Sobczak competes in marathons and trains for figure competitions.
What are your New Year's resolutions? Do you have any fitness or nutrition goals for yourself in 2013?
"As for fitness goals, I would like to turn pro in my respective sport, figure competitions. I will spend the next year focusing on becoming more conditioned, leaning out my legs, and continuing to bring a balanced physique on and off the stage."
For those who want to get in better shape, what are the most effective type of goals and resolutions to set?
"Brainstorm your goal, then narrow it down: A goal shouldn't be broad and unwritten. Get specific about your 'result goal' (to lose 10 pounds) and your 'action goal' (to exercise three or more times a week). Be specific and write it down.
Start thinking about the resolution: Process your goal now, so you can really think about measurable steps you need to attain the resolution. Perhaps start to journal, enlist a friend to be your buddy, or recruit a support system.
Line up support for your goals: Choosing a resolution isn't really hard — they're things we all want. But if you're planning on losing weight or paying off debt or quitting smoking, it's good to have support. Don't just tell others what you are doing — let them know what you need. It can be hard to lean on others, but finding those that can relate or want to lend support is helpful.
Share your resolution: Not only will it inspire [others] to start working on their goals, but it will also provide additional support. Let your friends know you have a plan to start training for a 10K; are dedicated to stopping your incessant nail-biting habit; or will be drinking eight glasses of water a day. And don't wait — get started now!
Download an app: There are plenty of mobile phone apps to help you track your progress. If you are losing weight or starting an exercise plan, try Lose It or Fitness Free.
What are some tips to help keep on track with fitness or healthy eating goals throughout the year?
"Avoid emotional eating. If you’re like many women who respond to stress by craving (and indulging in) fatty, carb-y comfort food, you’re not alone — but you do need to think about an alternative. Maybe it’s taking a walk around the block or taking a couple of deep breaths and not using food as the stress reliever. Munch an apple, celery, or carrots. Simply crunching these foods will help get some of your anxiety out without packing on the pounds. And plan ahead — this may seem obvious, but planning a week’s menu can make that week run much more smoothly. I sit down on Saturday or Sunday and pick three or four meals that I’m going to make throughout the week, go shopping, and have those ingredients on hand. Once I actually started doing it, my life was so much easier because I have my go-to meals. I know what I’m going to make."
Finally, do you have any New Year’s resolutions unrelated to fitness?
"I would like to spend more time with my family, particularly my nieces and nephews, and travel the world more. Nothing is more important than being a role model for your family members and getting to experience cultures from all around the world. Lastly, my resolution is balance — or what I like to refer to as equilibrium — in my life. I don't want to be just a great friend, business owner, or athlete. I want to find the balance at doing all things well in my life and maintaining a sense of contentedness."
Gregg Pitts, Sculpt DC
Gregg Pitts had the ultimate D.C. job, working as a White House staffer. But his passion for indoor cycling helped him lose over 60 pounds — and led him to a new career as a spin instructor. When he's not working as a consultant to a private jet charter company, he's teaching cycling classes at new F Street gym Sculpt DC, which specializes in both yoga and indoor cycling classes that incorporate core work and hand weights for a full body workout.
What are your New Year’s resolutions? Do you have any fitness or nutrition goals for yourself in 2013?
"For 2013, I'd like to diversify my workouts. I love cycling and could do it everyday; however, a balance is important. In the next year, I want to focus on CrossFit-type workouts and add in some yoga."
For those who want to get in better shape, what are the most effective type of goals/resolutions to set?
"In fitness, getting started is the key. Just start working out and eating healthier food. Set goals that are small, achievable, and measurable. If a person wants to lose weight, I wouldn't suggest setting a large amount. It is important to take things one step at a time and look at each workout and meal as a chance to improve your health. I lost 60 pounds five years ago (before I was a fitness instructor) and I started [in order] to 'just lose some weight.' Once I got going, I began to track and measure my results."
What are some tips to help keep on track with fitness or healthy eating goals throughout the year?
"Surrounding myself with healthy people is key. Plan activities and meals with friends and family who share your goal to live a healthy lifestyle. Also, with so many workout options, pick something that's fun for you!"
Do you have any advice for students who want to try cycling classes for the first time, but might be nervous?
"I remember that nervousness and intimidation, but eventually realized it was mostly me and not others. You are stronger than you think you are. You can cycle longer than you think you can. You can accomplish more than you think you can! Negative thoughts work against you — focus on what you can do, not what you can't. Don't be afraid to ask for help from an instructor; we are here to help!"
Finally, do you have any New Year's resolutions unrelated to fitness?
"To spend some quiet time alone each morning to clear my mind and prepare for the day."
Like this post? There's more. Get tons of beauty tips, tutorials, and news on the Refinery29 Beauty Facebook page!
Photos: Courtesy of Johnny Khan Photography; Gregg Pitts
And after adding that universal to-do to our own lists, we started to wonder if the city's exercise instructors, personal trainers, and yoga teachers were coming up with healthy living goals in January, too. So, we asked some of the DMV's coolest fitness professionals — from barre instructors to bootcamp coaches — to share their own New Year's resolutions, and their responses were downright inspiring. Plus, they spilled plenty of tips on how you (yes — you) can meet your goals this year. Take notes on their super-helpful advice, and we promise you'll want to lace up your sneakers, dust off your yoga mat, and get moving — and maybe stick with it past February, even.
Inez Sobczak, Fit-nez
Inez Sobczak taught her first group fitness class while she was still in high school. She now owns boutique studio Fit-nez, where she specializes in personal training, remote coaching and online training, boot camps, and personalized nutrition counseling. And when she has free time, Sobczak competes in marathons and trains for figure competitions.
What are your New Year's resolutions? Do you have any fitness or nutrition goals for yourself in 2013?
"As for fitness goals, I would like to turn pro in my respective sport, figure competitions. I will spend the next year focusing on becoming more conditioned, leaning out my legs, and continuing to bring a balanced physique on and off the stage."
For those who want to get in better shape, what are the most effective type of goals and resolutions to set?
"Brainstorm your goal, then narrow it down: A goal shouldn't be broad and unwritten. Get specific about your 'result goal' (to lose 10 pounds) and your 'action goal' (to exercise three or more times a week). Be specific and write it down.
Start thinking about the resolution: Process your goal now, so you can really think about measurable steps you need to attain the resolution. Perhaps start to journal, enlist a friend to be your buddy, or recruit a support system.
Line up support for your goals: Choosing a resolution isn't really hard — they're things we all want. But if you're planning on losing weight or paying off debt or quitting smoking, it's good to have support. Don't just tell others what you are doing — let them know what you need. It can be hard to lean on others, but finding those that can relate or want to lend support is helpful.
Share your resolution: Not only will it inspire [others] to start working on their goals, but it will also provide additional support. Let your friends know you have a plan to start training for a 10K; are dedicated to stopping your incessant nail-biting habit; or will be drinking eight glasses of water a day. And don't wait — get started now!
Download an app: There are plenty of mobile phone apps to help you track your progress. If you are losing weight or starting an exercise plan, try Lose It or Fitness Free.
What are some tips to help keep on track with fitness or healthy eating goals throughout the year?
"Avoid emotional eating. If you’re like many women who respond to stress by craving (and indulging in) fatty, carb-y comfort food, you’re not alone — but you do need to think about an alternative. Maybe it’s taking a walk around the block or taking a couple of deep breaths and not using food as the stress reliever. Munch an apple, celery, or carrots. Simply crunching these foods will help get some of your anxiety out without packing on the pounds. And plan ahead — this may seem obvious, but planning a week’s menu can make that week run much more smoothly. I sit down on Saturday or Sunday and pick three or four meals that I’m going to make throughout the week, go shopping, and have those ingredients on hand. Once I actually started doing it, my life was so much easier because I have my go-to meals. I know what I’m going to make."
Finally, do you have any New Year’s resolutions unrelated to fitness?
"I would like to spend more time with my family, particularly my nieces and nephews, and travel the world more. Nothing is more important than being a role model for your family members and getting to experience cultures from all around the world. Lastly, my resolution is balance — or what I like to refer to as equilibrium — in my life. I don't want to be just a great friend, business owner, or athlete. I want to find the balance at doing all things well in my life and maintaining a sense of contentedness."
Gregg Pitts, Sculpt DC
Gregg Pitts had the ultimate D.C. job, working as a White House staffer. But his passion for indoor cycling helped him lose over 60 pounds — and led him to a new career as a spin instructor. When he's not working as a consultant to a private jet charter company, he's teaching cycling classes at new F Street gym Sculpt DC, which specializes in both yoga and indoor cycling classes that incorporate core work and hand weights for a full body workout.
What are your New Year’s resolutions? Do you have any fitness or nutrition goals for yourself in 2013?
"For 2013, I'd like to diversify my workouts. I love cycling and could do it everyday; however, a balance is important. In the next year, I want to focus on CrossFit-type workouts and add in some yoga."
For those who want to get in better shape, what are the most effective type of goals/resolutions to set?
"In fitness, getting started is the key. Just start working out and eating healthier food. Set goals that are small, achievable, and measurable. If a person wants to lose weight, I wouldn't suggest setting a large amount. It is important to take things one step at a time and look at each workout and meal as a chance to improve your health. I lost 60 pounds five years ago (before I was a fitness instructor) and I started [in order] to 'just lose some weight.' Once I got going, I began to track and measure my results."
What are some tips to help keep on track with fitness or healthy eating goals throughout the year?
"Surrounding myself with healthy people is key. Plan activities and meals with friends and family who share your goal to live a healthy lifestyle. Also, with so many workout options, pick something that's fun for you!"
Do you have any advice for students who want to try cycling classes for the first time, but might be nervous?
"I remember that nervousness and intimidation, but eventually realized it was mostly me and not others. You are stronger than you think you are. You can cycle longer than you think you can. You can accomplish more than you think you can! Negative thoughts work against you — focus on what you can do, not what you can't. Don't be afraid to ask for help from an instructor; we are here to help!"
Finally, do you have any New Year's resolutions unrelated to fitness?
"To spend some quiet time alone each morning to clear my mind and prepare for the day."
Like this post? There's more. Get tons of beauty tips, tutorials, and news on the Refinery29 Beauty Facebook page!
Photos: Courtesy of Johnny Khan Photography; Gregg Pitts