Fortitude in the face of flab

How’s that resolution to get exercise and lose weight holding up?

Thought so.

We’re still in the first month of the year, yet white flags of surrender have already been spotted over many a frustrated camp. It’s not too late to get back on track with a little help from your friends.

First, face some facts. This time of year, nasty weather is going to try to foil your best intentions. It gets dark out early, which blackens some people’s moods and saps their energy. The list of excuses is both long and lamentable. None of it sticks. Not when you’re trying to take care of yourself.

So here’s the Rx.

Find a safe place to walk, and do it routinely. Silver Lake Mall is a good place to stretch those legs and lungs and strengthen the heart, and who knows? You might see an indispensable something on sale.

If you can afford a small but valuable investment, get a Fitbit or a similar device that will help you track your progress and stay on a healthy track.

Better still with benefits abounding, get a health club membership. Kootenai County is packed with health clubs and gyms to fit most budgets, accessibility and hours. Shop around and see what works best for you.

In addition to getting into better shape and hopefully staying there, you’ll find other benefits in joining a club. As longtime patrons at Peak Health and Wellness Center will tell you, there’s a social bonus that transcends monthly dues or fees.

Not only can members of health clubs and gyms easily find like-minded (and like-bodied) buddies to work out with and help push each other upward and onward, but lasting friendships are forged in sweat, smiles and sometimes curses. Camaraderie is the rule, not the exception.

Disrobing in a locker room has a tendency to strip most of us of our pretentions. A daily dose of mutual humility can work wonders on relationships, and it’s those relationships that can help you keep your chin up and your legs moving when there’s too much snow, you’re too darned tired, you’re too blasted busy or any of the other manifold excuses present themselves.

This year, we’ll elect a President. We’ll cry and laugh and maybe sing. We’ll work hard and maybe play almost as hard. We’ll enjoy the people we love and try to smile around those we aren’t quite so fond of.

But this is certain: When your health is poor, everything is less enjoyable.

Invest in yourself. With a little bit of help from your friends, you’ll enjoy a better life.