Local’s Choice
NEW YEAR, NEW FITNESS RESOLUTIONS 2017 COULD BE YOUR YEAR Perrin recommends being realistic when setting fitness goals.
‘T
Perrin packs a no-nonsense gym bag: towel, shorts, fresh t-shirt, shoes, and headphones (for cardio). Not pictured: colorful Sof Sole sneaker balls, which keep Perrin's sneakers fresh. Photography: Margo Pelak
is the season for vowing to lose a few extra holiday pounds, or perhaps pursuing that ripped six-pack you’ve always
wanted – and that means getting to the gym more often, or dusting off that home treadmill and weight machine. How can you make sure your fitness resolutions stick?
GOT APPS?
“Be realistic in your goals and expectations,” advised Dale Perrin, executive director, Lake Zurich Area Chamber of Commerce. Perrin is a fitness expert – prior to his career as a chamber exec-
Fitness apps are in no short supply, and
utive, Perrin spent many years as a fitness equipment executive and
many of them are free. Here are three free
personal trainer. Friends have described him as "a workout beast."
apps that may help you get a jump on your
Perrin observed that extra weight can easily creep up on you over
fitness plans for 2017:
a span of years. Flabby muscles don't get flabby overnight, so it’s important to be patient seeing results. You can't fix years of neglect
• MYFITNESSPAL – Probably the best-
in just a few months, but you can launch yourself on the path to suc-
known app to track your intake, exercise and
cess by defining and committing to your fitness goals.
get tips from friends new and old. Links with
“It’s not unusual to experience disappointment after a few months and quit,” Perrin said. How not to quit? Think of fitness results on a
Weight Watchers and Fitbit apps, though Fitbit synching can be clunky.
long-term basis, and be clear about what you want to accomplish. “Before you do anything, know what you want to do and why you
• COUCH TO 5K – Always wanted to run
want to do it. Have a plan so you can achieve your goals,” he advised.
but don’t know how to start? This is the app
Perrin knows a bit about achieving goals – he was recently des-
for you! You’ll get a free, step-by-step, day-
ignated an "ACE" (Accredited Chamber Executive) by the Illinois
by-day plan for turning walking into running,
Association of Chamber of Commerce Executives for his strong lead-
with support from newbies and experts alike.
ership abilities and his accomplishments at a local level. Only 3% of chamber executives in Illinois achieve this designation. Perrin works out at least at least three times weekly. Those who haven't worked out in a while may want to consult a physician first.
& Johnson Human Performance Institute, this app has helped over 2 million people get
While 2017 might not be your year of the six-pack, it can be a
the most out of every minute. Design custom
year to get stronger, leaner and healthier if you plan ahead, stay
workouts, and available on Apple Watch too.
with the plan and be patient with your progress. "To get healthy and fit, you must not quit!" 34
• 7 MINUTE WORKOUT – From the Johnson
SW Lake Lifestyle | January 2017