New Year’s resolutions? Here’s help

[Guest guest]

New Year's resolutions? Here's help -

By Sandy Hansen, Times-Record Editor

It's that time of year again - time to prepare for a new start with

another round of resolutions.

The more popular resolutions tend to revolve around losing weight

and getting in shape, which is not a bad idea when stories abound of

obesity on the rise. Getting and maintaining a healthy body as a

person ages is actually a pretty good goal to have. And there are

plenty of options and affordable programs right here in Valley City

to help score that goal.

A veritable menu of exercise programs awaits those who sign up for

classes or memberships with Valley City Parks and Recreation. For

those who like to make their own schedules, the Fitness Center

located downstairs in the Rec Center, has a surprising array of

fitness equipment which is always being upgraded, and is open seven

days a week. An added incentive is a half-price offer for the new

year on a one-month membership. The total cost at half-price is only

$15. Check the website at www.vcparks.com for the daily hours and

more information, or call 845-3294 during office hours.

VCPR also offers classes in Pilates, aerobics, and yoga throughout

the week in the Valley City Auditorium. The yoga classes are

Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. and are led by Janice

Berg of Valley City. Describing the classes as peaceful and serene,

Berg says the focus is on " reconnecting with one's self. " The goal -

to relax, meditate, leave problems behind and rejuvenate.

" But it's also a very good exercise, " she added. Berg said the class

is for all ages and all athletic abilities, so it would be a good

place to start.

Heidi Hochstetler is the instructor for the Pilates and aerobics

classes. A certified Pilates teacher through the Physicalmind

Institute out of New York, Hochstetler leads classes in the

classical Pilates method to rebalance muscle groups, correct

alignment, and restore natural movement. The aerobic cardiovascular

workouts include step aerobics, low impact, weights and bands with

music and motivation. It's easy enough for beginners and challenging

enough for pros. Pilates classes are held Mondays and Wednesday at

5:30 p.m. and Fridays at 10 a.m. with a Noon Express (half hour)

also offered that day. There's a Noon Express class for aerobics on

Mondays and Wednesdays, with the regular classes on Tuesdays and

Thursdays at 5:30 p.m. Pilates and aerobics are offered in separate

classes or for a combined price. Student rates are available.

For those with more simple exercise tastes, walking hours are

available in the Rec Center out of the elements. For those with a

more competitive nature, basketball and volleyball leagues will be

starting again soon. Karate classes are also available. Check with

the VCPR office on dates, times and availability at 845-3294.

The popular Curves¨ franchise in Valley City will be offering its

own incentive for the new year. For the first time since coming to

Valley City, Curves will be offering its " 6 Week Solution Weight

Management " program to non-members. Participants will receive a

specially-designed Curve 6-Week Solution carrying bag, a two week

supply of Curves Protein Shake, a one-month supply of Curves

Complete Biomultiple Vitamin, a set of motivational CDs, a T-shirt,

and the support of the Curves community.

Watch TV without being a couch potato at the VCPR Fitness Room which

offers a wide variety of cardio equipment, free weights and pin

selector equipment. Sandy Hansen/VCTR

" It has been great being a part of the Valley City community for the

past 3-plus years, " Boutain, the local Curves franchise owner,

said. " We offer a comfortable, welcoming place where real women

workout. Helping say goodbye to unhealthy lifestyles, unattainable

diet resolutions, and unreasonable fitness regimens gives women a

new outlook on exercise and feeding their body properly.

" We look forward to helping others reach amazing results, both

physical and emotional, through our programs and support network, he

added. For more information on what is offered, call 845-3500 or

visit www.curves.com.

Other healthy dieting choices can be found at meetings offered

weekly in Valley City. Every Monday, Weight Watchers meets at 5:30

p.m. at the Valley City State University Skoal Room of the Student

Center. Weigh-ins are at 5 p.m. Due to the holidays, and to get a

good start to the year, the first meeting of 2006 will be held on

Tuesday, Jan. 3, at the regular time. For more information, call

Patty Oberlander at 845-0410.

The TOPS Club (Taking Pounds Off Sensibly) meets a 5 p.m. for weigh-

ins and a 5:30 meeting every Tuesday at the Sheyenne Care Center

Coffee Shop. New members are always welcome. Call Heidi for more

information at .

And for those who do get a good start on building and maintaining a

healthy body for the new year, but worry about keeping it up for the

long haul - hang in there. Mercy Hospital's " On the Move " exercise

incentive program, complete with business employee teams, family

groups and prizes, will start up again in March for that added boost

to any exercise regimen.

By summer, a whole new body could be had just by having some fun a

few hours a week right here in Valley City.