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By Sandy Kucharski SANDY@THEWOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM

It’s that time of year again when many of us jump on the bandwagon, making a New Year’s resolution to get fit, only to fall off after a few bumps and curves. But professionals agree that failure doesn’t have to be an option.

Becky Zirlen, senior public relations manager for Planet Fitness Headquarters, said January was an important time of year for the entire industry with health and fitness goals paramount for people at the start of the new year.

Though membership stats are not publicly available, Zirlen said, “We believe people have a renewed appreciation for health and wellness more than ever before and are encouraged by the member response we’ve seen to date. … Knowing how essential fitness is for physical and mental well-being during the pandemic, we hope to see [January membership increase] in 2021.”

Woodstock Recreation Center director Dave Zinnen agreed that

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the facility usually has an increase in memberships in January, but he noted that new member registrations were down.

“The governor’s Tier 3 mitigation efforts are definitely putting a damper on the services that we normally provide,” he said.

But at less than two weeks into 2021, time will tell. Michelle Bidwell, owner of Elite Warrior Training, said she typically would see a rise in memberships starting from February through April.

“The start of this year looks great,” Bidwell said. “I am so very grateful to still be in business, and I appreciate all the support I have received this last year!”

Research, self-examination and finding the right fit are the main takeaways offered by the local pros.

“Find something within your budget, close to home or work, that will fit into your lifestyle and go for it,” said Molly O’Connor, personal trainer/group fitness instructor for the recreation center.

Most gyms offer free trials, she said.

Bidwell advised that a consultation to discuss goals was a good idea.

“If you enjoy the workouts,” she said, “you will stay committed. Having a goal in mind is key to your success.”

Jill Flores, group fitness instructor for the city’s rec center and McHenry Recreation Center, is an online health and fitness coach.

“Think about what type of activity you enjoy doing,” she advised. “If exercise is a chore and you’re not looking forward to it, you’re likely not going to do it.”

Considering the current state of shutdown and concern due to COVID-19, Flores suggested many online options were available as well.

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With enhanced safety and sanitation protocols, gyms such as Planet Fitness continue to maintain in-person workout facilities.

“We trust that one of the best ways to stay healthy mentally and physically and maintain a strong immune system is to exercise,” Zirlen said. “Planet Fitness knows that motivation is one of the biggest obstacles to fitness, and after such a difficult year, it’s more important than ever to break free from 2020 and start 2021 with hope and optimism.

“Physical activity plays an important role in maintaining a healthy immune system and reducing COVID-19 risk factors such as obesity, heart disease, lung disease, and diabetes, so we encourage everyone Continued on Next Page

Finding the right fit includes finding the right format. If you’re motivated by competition and camaraderie, a group class might be the best option. Those seeking personalized programs, however, might be best served with individual instruction.

“Group fitness gives you the fun factor,” Flores said. “You are motivated by an instructor, upbeat music, and the energy of the group around you.”

There’s freedom in the fact that no planning is necessary, since the instructor leads the class and also supervises, making sure participants are displaying proper form.

Some people, however, find exercising in front of others intimidating and opt for individualized training or working out entirely independently.

“Most gyms offer a free session with a trainer to show you how all the equipment works,” Flores said. “Take advantage of that, and see what equipment you might like to use to get started.”

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“Individualized training can be great,” Bidwell noted, “if you have an injury that needs special attention, are in need of a periodized program to achieve a very specific goal, need help with posture correction, or simply need accountability.”

“When beginning your fitness journey you need to start small,” O’Connor suggested.

The ideal way to start the journey is determining a well-defined, achievable goal and taking that first step toward change. Allow sufficient time to achieve that goal and celebrate the small wins along the way. Estimates vary from three weeks to start seeing small results to three months to establishing a routine.

Unclear goals, rushing into change, and unrealistic expectations can all contribute to failure to achieve fitness goals. Lack of a support system can also sideline efforts.

“Change one habit at a time,” Flores said. “Take baby steps, and they will lead to lasting lifestyle changes that will lead to results.”

She teaches clients to make SMART goals, an acronym for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant, and Time-based.

Her advice to stay on track is to forgive yourself if you have a bad day or week. Flores also encourages clients to have an accountability partner or community. If that isn’t an option, consider writing in a journal or using an app to log workouts and nutrition.

“If you write your workouts on your calendar like you keep appointments for your job, you will be more likely to do them,” she said.

Bidwell advises clients to create a plan or have one created for you.

“Set aside the time for yourself,” she said. “You are worth it.”

Published every Wednesday | Est. 1987 | Serving Woodstock, Wonder Lake and Bull Valley, Ill. | www.thewoodstockindependent.com | $1.00INDEPENDENTTheWoodstock June 10-16, 2020 A&E Fireworks at Emricson Park will be different – still a blastPAGE 11 SCHOOLS Retirees in District 200 recall their careers with fondness PAGE 8 See DEBT, Page 2 Which bad option is best? BUSY MORNING D-200 wants your thoughts on tax hikes, program cuts By Larry Lough LARRY@THE WOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM How would you prefer Woodstock School District 200 manage its $161 million bond debt?Would you mind much if the school property tax went up, say, $120 a year – or more?How about combining the athletic programs at the two high schools, eliminating middle schools sports, and maybe cutting into co-curricular activities such as music and art? Or maybe stretching out payments on the debt three or four years, adding millions to the payback? And how much of the district’s $25 million surplus should be spent as part of whatever solution the Board of Education eventually approves? You are apparently going to have the opportunity to share your opinion in a survey that will ask about budget cuts, tax increases, and other options no one likes.“Eventually, if you want to save money,” Superintendent Mike Moan told the board last week, “you’re going Published every Wednesday | Est. 1987 | Serving Woodstock, Wonder Lake and Bull Valley, Ill. | www.thewoodstockindependent.com | $1.00INDEPENDENTTheWoodstock June 17-23, 2020 SCHOOLS Local INCubatoredu program has national ‘pitch’ competitor PAGE 9 See PHASE 3, Page 2 Phase 3 opens up a little PRIDE PROUD Moving too fast puts local liquor license in jeopardy By Larry Lough LARRY@THE WOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM Lines extended more than 200 feet for much of last week at the state license branch in Woodstock, spilling out of the office and wrapping around the laundromat at the south end of the building along Eastwood Drive. People waited an hour or more even though license branches statewide are open to serve only new drivers, customers with expired driver’s licenses/ ID cards, and vehicle transactions. People didn’t seem to know or care the state had extended the expiration date until Oct. 1 for licenses, vehicle registration, and other permits that have expired or will by July 31. The weather cooperated last week with the reopening of some social and business activities that had been limited by the coronavirus. Sunny skies and temperatures in the 70s and 80s called people to take advantage of outside dining at restaurants throughout the city. Lots of activity was observed on the patio at Public House restaurant; at tables in the street along the Published every Wednesday | Est. 1987 | Serving Woodstock, Wonder Lake and Bull Valley, Ill. | www.thewoodstockindependent.com | $1.00 INDEPENDENT TheWoodstock June 24-30, 2020 COMMUNITY Crafts for kids a big part of library’s summer reading plan See PHASE 4, Page 2 Are we ready to open? Woodstock prepares for more activity under Phase 4 By Larry Lough LARRY@THE WOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM Woodstock seems ready for Phase 4. Summer concerts by the City Band – in its 136th season – will begin July 1 on the Square. We will have fireworks on the fourth in Emricson Park. And city of Woodstock offices and facilities plan to reopen next week, as Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Monday released guidelines for the state to move to the next level of his Restore Illinois plan. Phase 4 will allow gatherings of up to 50 people and permit restaurants, bars, and theaters to invite customers inside for the first time in three months since the state issued a shelter-in-place order to prevent spread of the coronavirus pandemic. Specific crowd and capacity limits are included in guidelines. Although “normalcy” will return, guidelines continue to encourage face masks, social distancing, and hand washing as the norm. If you want to visit City Hall, masks are mandatory – and available there.SUBSCRIBE As a small business we need you more than ever! Please consider supporting your local newspaper.

INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY KEN FARVER Downtown Woodstock, as evidenced by this photo of Cass Street, was as busy Saturday as it had been for a while when the Farmers Market returned to the Square for the first time this season. Because of coronavirus concerns, the producers market had stayed at its winter home at the McHenry County Fairgrounds. It will now resume the normal summer schedule of being open each Tuesday and Saturday. The Woodstock Independent 671 E. Calhoun St., Woodstock, IL 60098 Phone: 815-338-8040 Fax: 815-338-8177 Thewoodstock independent.com COMMUNITY Neighborhood flower walk honors Woodstock couplePAGE 14 Obituaries 4 OpiniOn 6 schOOls 8 a&e 11 Marketplace 12 cOMMunity 14 calendar 18 classified 20 puzzles 22 public nOtices 23 spOrts 25 INDEX City adds space to grow downtown See DOWNTOWN, Page 2 By Larry Lough LARRY@THE WOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM When the time is right for development of the downtown area, Woodstock will have a big place to develop. The City Council last week approved the purchase of the vacated grain silo site at 313 Short St. for $200,000. Under the sale agreement, the seller, DeLong Co., will demolish all structures on the site.According to Garrett Anderson, the city director of Economic Development, that 1.02 acres means the city will will have 16.5 acres north of the Square “which could potentially be developed” among more than 17 acres the city will own in that area.City Manager Roscoe Stelford said the site of the former grain elevator was a “key piece” of the city’s long-term plan for downtown development. “This puts the city in a much better position of having control of the parcel,” he said of the area north of INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY KEN FARVERMelissa McMahon and daughter Charlotte McMahon Thomas stand outside their home Sunday on the Woodstock Pride Pomenade route of more than 30 decorated homes and businesses throughout the city. The Woodstock Independent 671 E. Calhoun St., Woodstock, IL 60098 Phone: 815-338-8040 Fax: 815-338-8177 Thewoodstock independent.com MARKETPLACE Finch Farm revived with sweet scent of lavender PAGE 13 COMMUNITY Project Front Line linked restaurants with workersPAGE 19 OpiniOn 6 schOOls 9 a&e 11 Marketplace 13 cOMMunity 19 calendar 24 classified 26 puzzles 28 public nOtices 29 spOrts 30 INDEX MCAT expands police resources See MCAT, Page 3 By Larry Lough LARRY@THE WOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM When a traffic accident is serious, a call goes out to MCAT.“It has to be a serious injury or death,” said Sgt. Rob Pritchard of the Woodstock Police Department. Since May 2019, Pritchard, 50, has been commander of the McHenry County Regional Major Traffic Crash Assistance Team.That’s what kept him on the scene of a fatal accident June 4 for more than eight hours, leading a team of nine police officers from five city police departments who investigated the collision at U.S. 14 and Route 120 (Washington Street).Pritchard said “serious injury” meant broken bones, loss of limbs, and similar critical injuries. Just days before the wreck in Woodstock, MCAT investigated a Spring Grove accident involving a motorcyclist who survived hitting a tree.Based on information he received June 4 from the Woodstock Fire/ Rescue District, Pritchard activated INDEPENDENT PHOTO BY TRICIA CARZOLI On the first day of summer 2020, umbrellas protected diners at The Double Yolk Café from sun early in the morning and from raindrops later as the Woodstock Farmers Market finished its third week on the Square. The Woodstock Independent 671 E. Calhoun St., Woodstock, IL 60098 Phone: 815-338-8040 Fax: 815-338-8177 Thewoodstock independent.com PAGE 16 SCHOOLS 20 students in District 200 receive 2020 PRIDE awards PAGE 8 MARKETPLACE Local food trucks find hungry customers during shutdown PAGE 13 Obituaries 4 OpiniOn 6 schOOls 8 a&e 11 Marketplace 13 cOMMunity 16 calendar 20 classified 22 puzzles 24 public nOtices 25 spOrts 26 INDEX Virus sparks restaurant competition See FOOD TRUCKS, Page 2 SUMMER’S START By Larry Lough LARRY@THE WOODSTOCKINDEPENDENT.COM Deputy Mayor Mike Turner urged the Woodstock City Council to “be creative” in considering changes to the city’s food truck regulations to address complaints from brick-andmortar restaurants about their mobile competitors. “It’s kind of a blank canvas as to whether to do anything different,” he said. After discussing the issue for more than an hour, council members agreed to do nothing – for now. The issue was a discussion-only item on the agenda for last week’s council meeting. Changes to the city’s 2012 ordinance could be made at the council’s meeting July 21, depending on what members hear from the public – including restaurants – between now and then. Turner said the issue was raised by Benton Street bars about the Que Pasta truck being parked on the street outside Ortmann’s Red Iron Tavern at Church and Clay streets.We Are Woodstock! 3 MONTHS FREE Call or email for details FOR NEW SUBSCRIBERS TODAY! Your news, your business, your community

ERIN BIGLER DANCE Woodstock North High School senior Erin Bigler has shown unwavering positivity during this unusual year of remote learning. During virtual practice, Erin is always the first one to jump in and talk about her day or ask others how they are doing. She continues to practice her skills consistently and encourages others to do the same. Erin is an excellent example of what it means to be on the WNHS dance team, and Thundernation is very proud of her!

TO SUBSCRIBE: 815.338.8040 • thewoodstockindependent.com rebecca@thewoodstockindependent.com

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