Spring Into Action Healthy Habits Challenge

Fay’s Fitness, Inc. is sponsoring a Heathy Habits Challenge in Candor, N.Y. “Spring Into Action” starts on April 1 and runs through the month of April. 

“Our daily habits determine the direction of our health,” said Ron Fay of Fay’s Fitness, adding, “It’s not enough to focus on goals like eating better and exercising; we must work on the systems that created who we are today.”

The Challenge focuses on four habits: drinking water, eating enough protein, cutting back on sugary treats, and being active. 

Fay added, “With small, incremental adjustments to our habits, we can make big changes over time in our health. The challenge is super flexible in that you can adjust it to your situation.” 

For instance, he noted, the guideline for water intake is 3-4 quarts per day. For some, this is way too much to start. 

“Barb and I have a couple of jugs that we fill each day and are setting a goal to drink it; simple stuff that works,” says Fay.

 It’s important that the change in the habit be small. The popular bestselling book, Atomic Habits, by James Clear, makes mention of changing habits at the “atomic” level. The change should be small and easy. 

Per Ron, “the book mentions how to break destructive habits down into parts.” For instance, if you want to start going to the gym, start by putting on exercise clothes every day. Once that becomes a habit, go out for some walks, then drive to the gym and stay for 5 minutes; then leave. Gradually stay longer and go three times a week. 

James Clear says in his book, “The point is to master the habit of showing up.” He talks about using “decisive moments” and “habit shaping” to ease into habit changes such as going to the gym. Your habit will become established; it will become what you do, and you will rely less on willpower and motivation.

“Spring Into Action” Challenge will be available online for free. Just visit www.faysfitness.com, and you can download the information sheet along with the Habit Tracker. 

Fay’s Fitness is also offering group support for the program, which will kick off on March 28 at 10 a.m. at the gym, located at 41 Owego Rd. in Candor. Group support will include three workshops, online support, and a T-shirt for $80. Gym membership is not required to participate. 

Text or call and leave a message at (607) 659-4818 or email ron@faysfitness.com to sign up. You can also stay updated by following Fay’s Fitness on  Facebook.