PETERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Colo. -- It takes hard work, dedication, and drive to change. New Year’s resolutions can be motivating, but what happens weeks or months later when you haven’t followed through on those fitness or nutrition goals?
“A big mistake people make when setting goals is rushing into it,” said Roger Hill, 21st Force Support Squadron fitness and sports manager. “You see amazing people on TV and want those results too, but its best take it slow and do things the right way.”
The staff at the 21st FSS Fitness Center are trained to teach what “right” looks like. They conduct guided tours of the facility, explaining the purpose of the equipment as well as demonstrating proper form and use.
Hill says it’s also important to have a roadmap for success. By knowing what works for your body type and ability, you can better set realistic goals. This not only affects your physical health, but your mental health as well.
“We’re human and sometimes we don’t work out for a few days or maybe one, two, three weeks,” said Maj. Suzanne Mirts, 21st Medical Group Mental Health officer in charge. “Forgiveness is important. Just because you miss a day, that doesn’t mean that you have to let the whole thing fall apart. Making those small, incremental changes will help you stay on track.”
And if you fall off, remember that success isn’t linear.
Sometimes the best way to get a positive change in your body and mind is to change your routine. Hill likes to call it ‘shocking the system.’
“A lot of people don’t like it, but change is always good,” he said. “If you train your body to be more active it will catch on because we’re creatures of habit. And once you start seeing change, that’s motivation to keep going.”
Success requires one more thing in the state of Colorado.
“Water. Stay hydrated all the time here,” said Hill. “The weather is dry and the air is thin. It’s a great spot to train, but you have to take care of yourself in order to do that. If you don’t take care of yourself, how can you take care of other people?”
To find out more information on 21st FSS Fitness Center hours and services, go to 21fss.com. To reach the Mental Health office, call 719-556-7804.