With the beginning of the New Year, many people look to set goals that they hope to achieve over the next 12 months.
Those goals can include a host of things, like quitting smoking, getting finances in order, spending more time with family, and much more.
One of the most common resolutions is to take care of your physical health by doing things like joining a gym.
Around this time last year, Alberta’s fitness facilities were closed due to COVID-19 restrictions set by the province, making this goal slightly less achievable.
“Last year (was) definitely a different story,” said Scott Boyd, senior operations manager for Cor Van Raay YMCA.
“People are very excited to get in there, kick off their fitness journey.”
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To encourage staying active beyond the first month of the year, the YMCA offers free memberships in February for new members who join in January. Boyd added that those who sign up will also receive a free fitness orientation.
But joining the gym isn’t on everyone’s to-do list. For some, learning or updating a new skill is something they want to achieve.
According to James Zeck, owner and director of Lethbridge Music Academy, January is a busy period for its operation.
“It’s a really cool time where a lot of people are looking to do new things, and one of those things is music,” Zeck said.
“A lot of people are setting goals and resolutions to get back on it.”
The guitar and ukulele are among the most popular lessons, and both young and old alike come to learn to play an instrument.
“Music is really cool because it has so many facets,” he explained. “It’s a great way to keep things fresh (intellectually), it’s really good for your mind and brain, but it’s also a great way to learn to establish a good environment and to learn to be responsible and diligent.”
Zeck added that the academy is offering waived registration fees for the first two weeks of January to help those reeling from the idea.
When it comes to other practical skills, the Allied Arts Council offers a variety of classes at CASA this year.
“We are delighted to be able to offer art classes (at) the community art center (at) downtown Lethbridge,” said Executive Director Suzanne Lint.
“If you have never done art or been involved in art, maybe 2022 is the year you will have an artistic experience, either practical or simply as an audience.”
Popular classes include pottery, painting, cooking, and her newest sewing class.
Lint said participants can feel safe and connected through in-person experiences that adhere to strict COVID-19 protocols.
“Sometimes you lose track of your creative self, and having the opportunity to work with your hands to create something is really very important for the spirit and emotional and mental well-being of people,” he explained.
“Whoever is setting goals, whatever they are, good luck to them and good luck with those new habits,” Zeck said.
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