5 Popular New Year's Resolutions, Adirondack-Style
The top five New Year's resolutions for Americans can usually be divided into the following categories: exercise more, lose weight, eat more healthily, save money, and reduce stress. Here are our suggestions on how to accomplish these undertakings, Adirondack-style.
Make it Adirondack: Try a New Outdoor Recreational Activity
The key to sticking to a fitness routine long-term is to find an exercise that you actually like. If you don't like running, don't waste money on a treadmill. There are many other ways to get moving, especially in the Adirondacks.
As January starts up there will likely be plenty of snow in the Adirondack Park for downhill skiing, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling. If you've never tried one of those activities, now's the time to get out of your comfort zone.
Snowmobiling, for instance, is surprisingly good exercise. Even though you're sitting you're working your core and honing your flexibility as you maneuver around the trails. Don't be intimidated by this exhilarating activity - there are companies that offer guided snowmobile trips, including for beginners. Best case scenario, you find an activity that you love and keeps you active. Worse case, you embraced trying a new experience!
Check out C+C Adirondack Snowmobile Tours in Chestertown »
The Resolution: Lose Weight
Make it Adirondack: Go for a Hike
Some health experts believe that hiking is considered better for burning fat than other forms of cardiovascular exercise. And, you're working more parts of your body than you think as you climb over logs and make your way around a large boulder.
Hiking is one of the most popular recreational activities in the Adirondacks, but if the thought of scaling an entire mountain sounds intimidating start smaller. Hiking doesn't necessarily have to involve a mountain!
Get started with the Beginner's Guide to Adirondack Hiking »
Don't wait for summer! Browse the Adirondack Winter Hiking Guide »
Remember that in order to lose weight you need to burn more calories than you take in, so eating healthy is a big part of the equation, which brings us to the next resolution.
The Resolution: Eat More Healthily
Make it Adirondack: Visit Local Farmers Markets
Exercising and eating healthy foods go hand in hand, and there's no better way to get your nutritional fill than to visit local farmers markets and stop up on farm-fresh produce. Most run May through October or November, so check out the list at the link below, find one near you or where you'll be when they're in season, and make a plan to visit.
In the meantime, embrace cold-weather, in-season foods as much as possible when you can find them at the grocery store, like fall and winter vegetables. Make use of soups and stews and break out the old crockpot out of the pantry.
Bookmark this page on Adirondack farmers markets »
The Resolution: Save Money
Make It Adirondack: Take Advantage of Coupons & Giveaways
Particularly during a pandemic saving money is likely on everyone's minds, although it's a classic resolution each year because your financial health is so important. While we won't pretend to be Suze Orman or Dave Ramsey, we do have a few lighthearted, fun suggestions on how to save money in the Adirondacks.
Did you know? We always have coupons to local businesses running on Adirondack.net that include deals on everything from wine to whitewater rafting. And, we often have sweepstakes as well that are free to enter. Wouldn't it be great if you won a weekend away at an upscale Adirondack resort?
View a list of current coupons »
The Resolution: Reduce Stress
Make it Adirondack: Look Into Forest Bathing
It's been another stressful year for most! But we have to admit we sat up a little straighter in our seats when this came up on the list, because what better place to melt the tension away than out in nature in the Adirondack Park.
Have you heard of forest bathing? Adirondack Riverwalk & Forest Bathing offers year-round experiences with this unique yet simple practice of being in nature. You connect to your surroundings through the senses of sight, hearing, taste, smell, and touch, and in doing so, bridge the gap between you and the natural world.
Find out more about sensory snowshoeing »
The top resolutions following these five included get more sleep, stick to a budget, focus on spiritual growth, travel more, and learn a new skill. What's your number one resolution for the year? Make your intention clear and follow it up with a plan to get it done!