by George Mahl Sports Editor

The new year means making resolutions, setting goals and putting the past behind us. Locally, most teams set goals of winning district championships, making the playoffs and winning state championships. However, it can be tough for an individual, such as myself, to set goals and actually remember what they are.

There is one resolution that I have already made for myself and are willing to share it with the public. Weight problems in this country can lead to serious things, like high cholestral, high blood pressure and possibly even a heart attack. It seems that everywhere I look there is at least one overweight person walking the streets.

I am sad to say that I am included in the number of people that are overweight. I have set a goal to be in much better shape by the Summer. However, I can not do this alone. From this point on, I will be working out two or three days a week at Shannons Health and Fitness Center to attempt the bulge from getting too big.

The person that will help me achieve that is a young lady named Karen, who will be my personal trainer. Karen and I will talk a couple of days each week about how I feel and what needs to be done to improve my overall appearance. Karen is an energetic lady who will have no problem motivating me to get the job done.

I will begin having a weekly story/column tracking my condition and giving out a weekly progress report. This story or column will appear in Saturday’s edition of the paper. The first one will be out this Saturday. Right now, I have not yet set any particular goals for myself, except to get in better condition than I am right now. Today is Wednesday, which means all I have done so far is listen to Karen speak about nutrition and prepare an exercise chart.

The only thing I need now is a title to come up with for my exercise column. One name being tossed around is “George’s Resolution”. I like that title because it really is a resolution I am making to myself. No one can prevent you from achieving your goal whether it be in life or exercising. Well, I take that back. There is one person that can prevent it. That one person is YOU.

If you feel you are a little overweight, do yourself a favor. It might just save your life.