For many, hitting the gym is an important New Year's resolution designed to re-focus on health and general well-being. Because of this, many gyms see an attendance increase in early January that eventually drops off, once gym-goers lose their motivation. However, with the link between obesity and an increased risk of cancer accounting for about 40 percent of all cancers diagnosed in the U.S., cancer prevention is another reason to maintain your goals and resolutions. Although there is no one single way to prevent cancer, these tips can help you stick to a workout plan that may help.

Set Lifestyle Goals

We all live busy lives that can make prioritizing healthy habits seem unattainable. However, one of the most important tips of a healthier lifestyle is  setting goals that are specific and realistic yet challenging, measurable and personally meaningful. This might mean committing to walk a mile a day with your partner or family member so you can spend more quality time together or setting aside 30 minutes for sustained breathing exercises . Yoga , Tai chi Class at the Sport Centre to help  refocus and de-stress . Additionally, people have found it helpful to set fitness goals that have real payoffs, like training for a 3-mile hike that you can complete on a future trip somewhere new. The only way a healthy lifestyle can be sustained is if it's attainable for your actual life. With this in mind you  can avoid losing motivation and focus on a steady progress as you plan your health goals. Taking to consideration that our fitness Professionals at the Sport Centre can help guide you in the correct direction.

Eat a Balanced Diet

A staggering 70 percent of people in the United States are considered overweight based on BMI, and 30 percent are considered obese. Although we can't definitively link weight loss to reduced cancer risk, research suggests that chronic inflammation – a characteristic of excessive weight – is a significant risk factor. With this in mind, eating a balanced diet focused around plant-based foods, fiber, lean protein and low saturated fat intake is a good place to start adjusting nutritional health. By taking small steps to adjust your eating patterns, you can not only make sure you have enough energy to tackle the gym, but can work to lower your risk for certain cancer-associated risks. Ask the Bridges Nutrition and Lifestyle Coach, Sandy for Information.

Exercise Regimens

Of course, the foundation of a good wellness plan involves an exercise regimen that is personalized to your interests, fitness level, lifestyle and exercise capacity. One of the most critical aspects is that it's exercise that you can adhere to. Adults should incorporate both aerobic (endurance or cardio) and muscle strengthening activities into their lifestyles. There's no pressure to jump right in and start adding up the miles on the treadmill. These kinds of exercises can range from a brisk walk to swimming laps or even Zumba. Find something that speaks to you and will keep your interest. If you're having trouble hitting the gym alone, you can even try signing up for group classes that emphasize a collective effort like Zumba or cycling. With the right exercise regimen for your daily life, you can adapt the basics into a sustainable routine. Pick up one of our Monthly Group Fitness Schedules at the Sport Centre or look up the schedule online.

Avoid Tobacco and Alcohol

Of course, going to the gym is a great place to start working on your goals, but avoiding or reducing the use of  tobacco and alcohol are other great ways to reduce your risk of cancer and keep your health on track in the new year. Currently, tobacco is the leading cause of preventable cancer death, where both firsthand and secondhand exposure can impact risk. These products contain chemicals that not only damage DNA and promote different types of cancer, but also have lasting health effects. The good news is that it is never too late to cease tobacco use and experience health benefits. In regards to alcohol consumption, data suggests that heavy-to-moderate drinking might lead to an increased risk of cancer. As you think about your goals for the remainder of the year, avoiding the fitness cliff might include adopting changes to your drinking habits to impact your overall well-being.