Macon gym owner shares advice as New Year fitness goals begin

A Macon gym owner says realistic goals and consistency help people stay on track with fitness resolutions.

MACON, Georgia (41NBC/WMGT-DT) – Just two days into the new year, many people are already putting their resolutions into action, with fitness topping the list for many Middle Georgians.

The owner of MAC Functional Training in Macon, Catalina Lopez, says joining a gym in the new year is a great start.

“There’s nothing better you can do for your mental health, physical health, being an example for your kids, and moving forward,” she said. “It’s honestly the best thing you can do overall.”

Most people who make New Year’s resolutions often give up between the end of January and March. Lopez says many people fail to maintain their fitness resolutions because they are not mentally focused.

“It’s a habit that hasn’t been built or created yet, so it’s a skill that requires training,” Lopez said. “Sometimes people have an all-or-nothing mentality, so if they have all these goals, but then they fall off, they’re like, ‘Well, I’m done.’ It’s OK to fall off; you just have to keep coming back.”

Lopez says at her gym, she gives members realistic and motivating goals by understanding each member’s individual fitness level.

“So we just meet you where you are, and we’ll slowly progress you,” she said. “We have classes for grandparents, parents, kids, adults and everything in between.”

Lopez says working out is one of the fastest ways to release hormones in the body.

“Hormones dictate how you think, how you feel, and how you act,” she said. “So if you’re releasing them a little bit every day through physical activity, it can help you have better moods, control stress levels and be clear-headed. It doesn’t have to be crazy, just consistent — just a little bit every day.”

MAC Functional Training is located at 652 3rd Street in Macon.