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Not too early to think about your 'best life' in 2024

With the end of the year approaching, some may already be thinking about those New Year resolutions. But even thinking about those kinds of changes can be tough.

LAC LA BICHE - With the end of the year approaching, some may already be thinking about those New Year resolutions. But even thinking about those kinds of changes can be tough. Local health and wellness experts know it can be hard to maintain a healthy lifestyle, or even to start thinking about it. They know that reaching fitness goals can be challenging — so they are promoting the “Healthier You - 12 Week Challenge.” It’s a three-part series starting next January designed to help people kickstart their wellness journey.  

It’s a few weeks away, but fitness experts like Lac La Biche’s Sue LaPierre says it’s good to get the mind ready in advance… so the body can follow 

“We all get into a rut,” said Sue LaPierre, a personal trainer and fitness instructor for the Lac La Biche County Bold Centre. “This program brings together like-minded people and helps them get back on track.” 

The three, 90-minute sessions run Jan. 9, Feb. 20, and March 26. 

LaPierre said the first night is a presentation on nutrition, tips on improving overall health, as well as the various types of exercise people can do to help them reach their goals, including the benefits of weight training, improving cardiovascular health, and flexibility.  

Before and after 

“Participants are encouraged — but not expected — to weigh-in and have their body measurements done as a baseline,” she explained. “This also helps with accountability.” 

Those who take the program will also receive a 12-week journal for tracking nutrition and exercise to help them stay aware of the progress made during their journey to a fitter and healthier lifestyle.   

“It is important to have a visual reference of patterns and progress to help stay on track and to be accountable to yourself,” she said. “I will be giving out resources and recipes to help everyone get started.” 

During the first night of the program, participants will also be provided with a 30-minute personal training session with LaPierre, along with a workout program they can follow on their own.  

“I have three fitness programs to choose from,” she said, adding that the 30-minute session is quick but thorough, and involves taking the client through their chosen program so that they can get started on their new fitness routine.  

The second session of the 12 Week Challenge will be a fitness class focusing on strength, cardio, and flexibility.  

In the final session, participants will learn about deep tissue release, muscle lengthening, and relaxation. According to LaPierre, this is very important for creating symmetry of movement in the body and helps the body to move more freely and to feel better.   

After each session, participants can have their weight and body measurements done.  

LaPierre said the Healthier You 12 Week Challenge isn’t just for people who want to lose a few pounds. Rather, the program is designed for anyone wanting to make healthy changes to their lifestyle, including improving overall strength and muscle definition, getting better sleep, managing stress, and decreasing the risk of chronic disease and illness.  

“Most people lose weight and inches during the 12 weeks, but the biggest notable improvement has been a reduction in stress, improved sleep and energy, and generally feeling so much better,” she said.  

LaPierre encourages participants to join forces with friends or family to motivate each other. Hence, on days when they are not feeling motivated, they can encourage each other along the way.  

“At the end of the 12 weeks my goal for each person is to help them establish a routine that includes an increase in their physical activity, healthier nutrition, and lifestyle choices,” she said.   

People wanting to register for the next session of the Healthier You 12 Week Challenge or interested in learning more about this program, can find more details at the Bold Center in Lac La Biche. 

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