• “Change your environment — Studies have shown that altering daily habits can increase your ability to achieve your goals. Such changes may include eating lighter meals for dinner or packing your gym bag the night before a workout.
• Take ownership — Keep a wellness journal to document your goals and progress. Make sure you have meaningful, realistic aspirations, and don’t get discouraged if you stray from your healthy eating plan or workout routine. In fact, it may be necessary to keep track of the reasons why you didn’t commit to your plan in order to uncover behaviors or patterns.
• Partner up — Have an accountability partner, whether it be a friend who is also eating healthy, or someone at the gym who is working toward a similar goal. Sitrin’s aquatic classes provide a friendly environment to meet new people and make friends.

The power of community is strong; having a dedicated support system can help you reach your goals and have fun in the process.”

• "Accountability — You’re more likely to stay with your 30-minute or 60-minute workout schedule when you’re at the gym or taking a group fitness class.
• Low impact — If you have discontinued working out due to joint pain or discomfort, aquatic classes are advantageous for those looking to reduce joint impact.
  
• Figure out what works best — Maybe you’re not dedicated to your morning workout routine because you’re usually running late in the morning. Trying out different exercise classes can be a great way to find the time of day that works best for you."

Mixing it up with Sitrin’s aqua yoga or Hydro Aerobics classes can help you stay motivated and keep exercise a part of your daily routine throughout the year.

Dr. Shawna Marmet, PT, DPT, earned her Bachelor’s degree in Biology from SUNY Oswego in 2009 and Doctorate in Physical Therapy from SUNY Upstate Medical University in 2013. Marmet began working at Sitrin in August of 2015 as the Outpatient Clinical Supervisor. She has since expanded her responsibilities to include Wellness Program Coordinator. Marmet has experience working with a variety of outpatient programs at Sitrin including the Military Program, Concussion Management and Vestibular Rehabilitation Program, and Sports Management program at Mohawk Valley Community College. Additionally, she oversees and instructs various wellness programs and classes at the Wellness and Aquatic Center at Sitrin. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, son, and family, as well as exercising, reading, cooking, and relaxing outdoors.

Dr. James V. Wallace, PT, NCS, CGCP, earned his Bachelor’s degree in Exercise Science from Western State University of Colorado and Doctorate in Physical Therapy from Upstate Medical University in 2007. He has been employed at Sitrin since 2009 and is currently the Director of Clinical Rehabilitation Services. He is board certified in Neurologic Physical Therapy and a Certified Geriatric Care Professional. Wallace is also a specialist in Vestibular and Concussion Management. Additionally, he served as the United States Paralympic Nordic Team Sports Medicine representative from 2011 to 2015. Wallace is a dedicated, evidenced-based doctor of physical therapy eager to meet the rehabilitation and fitness needs for all individuals across the lifespan. He believes the key to wellness involves striving to maintain a balance in physical, emotional, environmental, spiritual, and social domains of daily living.