WREX.com – Rockford’s News LeaderYou've made your New Year's Resolution, now how to keep it

You've made your New Year's Resolution, now how to keep it

By Samantha Ptashkin

ROCKFORD (WREX)- Every year around this time we hear the same promises, whether it's from smokers who vow never to pick up another cigarette, or people who swear they'll spend more time at the gym.

For some people its simple. They can quit smoking cold turkey, or they manage to never miss a work out. But most of us just need that extra push to stay on track.

Wendy Beggs, a group fitness instructor at Peak Fitness in Loves Park says the first step in making it happen is accountability. "When you have a group, a partner, someone that you're going to come in with and take classes with, or hit the machines with, when somebody's counting on you to be here, you're more apt to keeping that promise to show up for them," Beggs says.

For those of us that can't find a workout buddy, Beggs says the key is to get plugged. "You are going to come in and find the class that works for you and you're going to want to keep coming back because you're going to feel like you're a part of that class."

And the rest depends on setting the right time and keeping it. "What you schedule is what you do. It's not, well if I have time leftover I'll exercise. You have to schedule it and make it part of your everyday activity."

Another big resolution is to quit smoking. "It's really good for your health, no matter how long you've been smoking," says Heather Higgins of the American Cancer Society.

The American Cancer Society says smokers can double their chances by using two methods. "The most effective way to quit smoking is to use a combination therapy of nicotine replacement, along with telephone counseling, or an in person counseling session.

The American Cancer Society has a number for people to call to get the help they need.

It's 1-800-227-2345.