Solutions for your New Year's resolutions
If you've spent the holiday weekends rehashing last year's accomplishments (and defeats) and resolving to make life changes in 2009, we'd like to help you get off to a good start this week.
When we asked readers to submit their New Year's resolutions, we received dozens of messages -- the four categories below represent the most popular subjects.
While we can't pay for your gym membership, act as your personal chef, balance your checkbook or proofread your resumé, we can offer you some suggestions to help you accomplish everything you want to do in the new year.
IF YOU WANT TO LOSE WEIGHT
From 15 to 130 pounds (and everything in between), the majority of readers wrote that they want to lose weight this year.
Nicole Quigley of Long Beach wants to get trim for her May wedding; Jennifer Bifulco of Smithtown wrote that she plans to tone her legs, thighs and stomach.
THE PLAN : While we all know that losing weight is a simple math formula -- calories ingested versus calories burned -- finding a fitness plan that works is where things get difficult.
With 6 locations on Long Island, including centers in Glen Cove, Huntington and East Hampton, the YMCA ( ymcali.org ) is a budget-friendly option for those looking for a fitness center with group exercise programs. With a year commitment, rates for single adults range from $35 to $50 per month plus an initiation fee, which varies by location. Discounted rates are available for families, students, youths and seniors. The East Hampton location has a 8-week "Biggest Loser" program starting Jan. 5, which includes weekly sessions with a personal trainer and nutritionist plus a pre- and post-program weigh-in and body analysis for $399.
Forever Fit Gym is also offering an 8-week "Biggest Loser" program (96 Washington Dr., Centerport, 631-271-7820, foreverfitgym.com ), kicking off Jan. 14. Catherine Stratton, the owner of the gym and a certified personal trainer and registered dietician, is running the program, which includes sessions on keeping a food diary and aerobic exercise versus weight training, among other topics. The participant who loses the most weight will win a gift certificate to a local retailer. The program costs $200 for members and $225 for non-members.
If you'd like to join a gym without a huge out-of-pocket expense, Eastern Athletic Clubs ( easternathleticclubs.com ), in Melville, Dix Hills and Blue Point, is offering a $149 special on new memberships that runs from now through April 30.
Want to amp up your workout with some one-on-one attention? With 13 locations on Long Island from Long Beach to Smithtown, New York Sports Clubs ( nysc.com ) are currently offering a personal training "Try Pack," 3 sessions of 30 to 45 minutes for $79.
Looking to try out a gym for free? XSport Fitness in Garden City ( xsportfitness.com ) offers a 7-day free guest pass which includes a body fat testing and session with a personal trainer, good daily from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. and downloadable online. The catch? You have to live within 25 miles of the club, can't use the swimming pool or basketball courts and must be a first-time user.
If treadmills are not your thing, break a sweat outdoors at the Long Island Parks' Winter Run Series (631-321-3510, flrrt.com ). The 5K runs begin at 11 a.m. Sundays from Jan. 11 to Feb. 1. Cost is $15 each or $40 for all four with preregistration.
FREEBIE : Jan. 26 begins Health and Wellness Week at the Barry and Florence Friedberg JCC in Oceanside (516-766-4341, friedbergjcc.org ). The event kicks off Monday morning with a lesson in making nutritious smoothies and ends Friday with free fitness consultations with free cardio dance, yoga, water aerobics, spinning classes and fitness consultation open to members and nonmembers.
Southampton Hospital is offering a free program, "Feel Fine in '09," on Jan. 10 from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. You'll learn how to reduce stress with topics including: "Walking Meditation," "Making peace with food" and "Taking control of your life." Register in advance. (Parrish Memorial Hall, 240 Meeting House Lane, Southampton, 631-726-8700, southamptonhospital.org/calendar ).
IF YOU WANT TO EAT HEALTHFULLY
It's a common complaint that a busy schedule gets in the way of healthful eating.
Carol Pappas of Commack wrote that as a working mother, she gets home after 6 p.m. and ends up struggling to come up with well-balanced dinners for her family. Jennifer Ness of Brentwood wants to eat right to keep up with her 2-year-old son.
THE PLAN : The Viking Cooking School in Garden City offers an "Eating Green" series that includes demos on healthful wok cooking (Jan. 22) and an intro to vegetarian meats (Feb. 11). Each costs $59 (835 Franklin Ave., 516-877-1010, loavesandfishescookshop.com ).
Prepare a feast of broiled red snapper with lime cilantro, salmon with vegetables, provencal chicken with fennel and more at A La Carte's "Healthy 30-minute meals" class, 6 p.m. Feb. 3 ($109, 32 Atlantic Ave., Lynbrook, 516- 599-2922, alacartecs.com ).
FREEBIE : Learn from a wellness specialist how to lower cholesterol and blood pressure through diet at "Nutrition for Longevity" at the Hicksville Library , 1 p.m. Jan. 15 (169 Jerusalem Ave., 516-931-1417, www.nassaulibrary.org/hicksv ).
IF YOU WANT A NEW CAREER
Because of the economic downturn, it's a difficult time to look for a new job or transition to a new career.
After 17 years as a stay-at-home mom, Melanie Vassallo of Huntington Station wants to find a job with benefits and a pension plan. Marie Ardito of Farmingdale wants to find a completely new career.
THE PLAN : Hofstra University's continuing education "Career Success Series" includes a "Women in Career Transition" conference March 7 with workshops on moms re-entering the workforce and balancing family and career ($75, 516-463-7200, ce.hofstra.edu ). Other professional development programs include "New Ways to Re-Energize Your Job Search Campaign" on Jan. 24 ($199) and "Take Charge of Your Career Development" on April 15 ($75).
For a smaller investment, The Barry and Florence Friedberg JCC offers a "Jump Start...to a career you love!" workshop at 10:30 a.m. Jan. 11 ($8, 516-766-4341, friedbergjcc.org ).
FREEBIE : Sachem Library offers "Career Change / Job Search" at 7 p.m. Jan. 26 and Feb. 2 (150 Holbrook Rd., Holbrook, 631-588-5024, sachemlibrary.org ).
The Baldwin Library is offering a two-part series, "Why Should I Hire You?" with presentations "Your Resume: The Ultimate Sales Tool" on Feb. 5 at 7 p.m. and "Successful Interviewing" on March 5 at 7 p.m. (2385 Grand Ave., 516-223-6228, www.nassaulibrary.org/baldwin ).
The Hempstead Library has a resume writing and cover letter preparation workshop on Jan. 24 at 1 p.m. (115 Nichols Court, 516-481-6990, nassaulibrary.org/hempstd/ ).
The Hewlett-Woodmere Library is offering a resume writing and job preparation skills class on Jan. 13 at 10:30 a.m. (1125 Broadway, Hewlett, 516-374-1967, nassaulibrary.org/hewlett ).
IF YOU WANT A MONEY MAKEOVER
Times are tough, and most of us are feeling the pinch (or punch) in our bank accounts.
Tameka Hover of Baldwin wants to clean up her credit this year; Joseph Sutera of Manorville wants to start saving money to buy a home.
THE PLAN : The continuing ed department at Suffolk County Community College is offering a financial planning overview course at 7 p.m. March 11 ($25, Ammerman Campus, Selden, 631-451-4000, www3.sunysuffolk.edu/continuinged ).
Hofstra University is running a continuing education series, "Surviving in Today's Economy," which includes courses titled "A post-bailout economy" (Jan. 28), "Financial planning for women" (Jan. 31), "Selling your home in a challenging market" (Feb. 7) and "Success in your small business" (Feb. 28), all $75 to $99.
FREEBIE : On Jan. 8, the Brentwood Library's "Get out of debt" program will help you develop a plan (7 p.m., 34 Second Ave., 631-273-7883, brentwoodnylibrary.org ).
The Oceanside Library's lecture, "Smart Money, Good Credit," at 7 p.m. Feb. 3 will provide tips on eliminating credit card debt and raising your credit score (30 Davison Ave., 516-766-2360, oceansidelibrary.com ).
Also Feb. 3 at 7 p.m., Lakeview Library in Rockville Centre offers "Basic Investing," which will instruct you how build a secure financial future, make your money work for you and use your assets effectively (1120 Woodfield Rd., 516-536-3071, www.nassaulibrary.org/lakeview ).
Worried about how to pay back your holiday bills? The Long Island Council of Churches will be presenting a personal finance seminar, "How to Manage Money in Hard Times," on Jan. 12 at 7:30 p.m. at Grace Episcopal Church in Riverhead (573 Roanoke Ave., liccny.org ).
HELP ALONG THE WAY
Afraid you won't keep your resolutions? Here are some free Web applications to help you along the way:
Pledgehammer.com : Submit your resolution with a deadline and a financial incentive. Don't keep your resolution? Donate the chosen amount to a charity.
Startaresolution.com : Submit your resolution. The person who joined before you will be your coach. You'll coach the person who joins after you.
Fitday.com : Use the online diet journal to track your foods, exercise, weight loss and goals.
Traineo.com : Motivation, support and accountability to help you achieve your weight loss goals.
Promiseaid.com : The online community encourages a more positive lifestyle.
Caloriecount.about.com: Enter what you ate (or browse foods) and find out simple nutritional information.
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