10 Tips to Keep Your New Year’s Resolutions

Balanced • January 2, 2017

Keeping your New Year’s resolutions. It’s tough – we’ve all been there. You gain so much clarity at the end of another year and you find your focus – determined to (finally) achieve those targeted goals. January is welcomed in with a surge of excited anticipation at how amazing everything will be once you hit those goals. Then, February comes. Sticking to those resolutions may be tough but, with a little help, we can do it.

2017 New Year's ResolutionsHere are 10 tips to help you stay the course and rise to the resolutions.
  1. Keep it attainable . Set specific, measurable, attainable, realistic (SMART) goals. This will make the process manageable. Trying to lose 100 pounds is steep goal – but trying to lose 5 pounds per month, is a realistic goal that you can measure your progress by. Celebrating the smaller victories will only fuel your motivation to continue.
  2. Skip the fancy fitness trackers . A large study just published in the Journal of the American Medical Association reveals that people tend to actually gain more weight while using these trackers, because they overeat when they feel they are burning more calories.
  3. Exercise moderately , but stay away from the super intense workout routines. Advertising for some of these intense programs focuses on the incredible results you could enjoy. However, the reality is that most people are more likely to get injured in one of these programs than reap the rewards. Start an exercise program gradually and give your body time to adapt. When you are ready for the high intense activities, try working under the supervision of a trained professional.
  4. Get more sleep . Sleep helps you to be happier; to think better; to heal faster; and to get more out of your workouts. Maybe you’re already getting the great-8 – and you wake up feeling energized for the day without the aid caffeine – but if that doesn’t sound like you, take note and plan for more sleep.
  5. Make informed buying decisions .    Getting to the gym can be a hassle, and you’re convinced that if only you had the exercise equipment at home, you’d be on it every day. But, did you know that there are lots of resources on body weight exercises that you can do without spending any money? If you are in the market to outfit your home gym, be sure to do your research and buy from a reputable brand dealer.
  6. Pass up the sports drinks and diet sodas . Sugar is not your friend, and we’ve all heard about losing electrolytes while working out – but unless you’re in the middle of an endurance competition or training session, your average run or exercise class isn’t going to deplete you. You’re just sabotaging your hard work with unnecessary sugar and calories.
  7. Practice willpower . Willpower is like a muscle – the more you use it, the stronger it gets. The toughest choices are easiest to make earlier in the day when you’re fresh and your resolve is strong. Set yourself up for success. Make the tough choices early in the morning and take it easy on yourself at the end of the day.
  8. Walk more . Walking is great- it helps lubricate your joints; relieves pressure on the spine from sitting; burns calories; and helps clear the mind. So take that empty parking spot at the end of the row and take a few laps around the office – it will help keep you moving towards those goals, plus your joints will thank you.
  9. Receive regular adjustments . Once you’re injured, the risk of re-injury increases. Seeing your  chiropractor for proper adjustments regularly can result in a lower incidence of re-injury. Keep your body tuned in good alignment, and don’t forget about the physical therapy.
  10. Smile . Smiling can lower your heart rate, and reduce blood pressure and stress. It causes endorphins to be released and elevates your mood. Smiling also lowers pain and can improve relationships with people around you. Plus, it’s a lot easier to smile than frown, and your face will thank you for it!
With these tips, we hope you keep all of those resolutions – and wish you all the best for a happy, healthy and fit 2017.
By Allison Hawthorne September 18, 2025
When you're in pain — whether from a nagging injury, post-surgical recovery, or chronic discomfort — finding the right care can feel like a maze. At Balanced Chiropractic & Physical Therapy, many patients walk in skeptical but leave with something they hadn’t experienced in other clinics: real relief and a clear plan forward. What sets this clinic apart? It's not just the treatment. It’s the total experience — one where skilled practitioners combine chiropractic care, physical therapy, and patient education to help individuals regain mobility, confidence, and quality of life. A Different Kind of Care Experience  From the moment individuals arrive, they notice a different tone. The team at Balanced doesn’t just treat the symptoms — they take time to understand the full picture. Many patients describe the approach as comprehensive, personal, and results-focused . Whether recovering from orthopedic surgery or managing long-standing joint pain, patients often comment on how the care they received here was more effective than what they experienced elsewhere. The key difference? Integration. At Balanced, chiropractic and physical therapy are used in combination — not in silos. This means spinal adjustments might be paired with strengthening exercises, or dry needling might be used to reduce tension while also building joint stability. It’s a multi-modal approach designed to accelerate healing while helping prevent future injury. Common Conditions Addressed Patients come in with a wide range of challenges: Shoulder pain and limited mobility Back and neck discomfort, including sciatica Hip pain and post-surgical recovery Sports-related injuries Plantar fasciitis and foot issues Nerve-related symptoms, including numbness or tingling Knee pain and age-related joint stiffness Repetitive strain injuries from work or athletics Postpartum musculoskeletal challenges In each case, treatment plans are tailored — not only to the condition but to each patient’s lifestyle, goals, and progress. What Patients Consistently Say Here are some recurring themes reported by patients in public reviews: “I finally found relief after years of trying other providers.” “The care team really listens and adjusts based on how I feel week to week.” “The home exercise programs helped me stay consistent and feel in control of my progress.” “They went above and beyond — even following up after care to check on how I was doing.” “I was able to return to normal activities that I hadn’t done in years.” It’s not just about symptom relief. It’s about restoring function and confidence — whether that means returning to work, walking without pain, playing sports again, or simply sitting comfortably during long drives. Results That Speak for Themselves Across the board, patients report: Reduction in pain (often from high pain levels to minimal or none) Improved mobility and flexibility Faster recovery timelines post-surgery Better outcomes compared to previous care elsewhere Knowledge to self-manage and prevent recurrence One of the most notable differences? Patients feel like they are part of the process , not just receiving care but actively participating in their own recovery with a supportive team behind them. A Team That Prioritizes People, Not Just Protocols Balanced Chiropractic & Physical Therapy isn't just known for clinical skill — the people are a major part of the equation. Chiropractors, physical therapists, massage therapists, and administrative staff are frequently described as: Attentive Encouraging Thorough Responsive Easy to communicate with This atmosphere of support and collaboration often leads to stronger patient engagement and better long-term results. Why It Matters Musculoskeletal pain doesn’t just affect the body — it affects work, sleep, relationships, and mental focus . The goal at Balanced isn’t just pain reduction; it’s full-body function and restored confidence in movement. Whether you’re facing a complex injury or a nagging issue you’ve ignored for too long, Balanced Chiropractic & Physical Therapy offers something that’s hard to find in today’s healthcare landscape: individualized, integrated care that actually works. If you're exploring options for recovery, rehabilitation, or chronic pain management, Balanced may be worth your time — and could be the turning point your body’s been waiting for. Contact us today
January 20, 2022
Choose trusted chiropractic care in Charlottesville with Blue Cross Blue Shield. Our chiropractors are dedicated to your well-being and accept Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance.
July 15, 2021
A lot of the aches and pains that we experience in daily life can be solved with Chiropractic care. If […]
May 31, 2021
You may have some preconceived ideas about Chiropractic Care that have been built up over the years. We’re here to […]
April 15, 2021
Are you working from home lately? You are not alone. Workstation ergonomics has become a hot topic over the past […]
March 2, 2021
Deadlifts Deadlifts have long been a staple in strength training. It is a very complex movement that requires movement throughout […]
January 1, 2021
Exercise Series: Squats The first in our exercise series covers one of the most fundamental lifts: The squat. This is […]
By Balanced December 31, 2020
The Balanced Patient Difference We often ask ourselves what makes us different from the other clinics in the area and […]
By Balanced December 1, 2020
When an injury begins to develop, the amount of options to enter the healthcare system can be daunting. It’s almost […]
By Balanced July 31, 2020
Top 10 Tips for Migraines! Manual Therapy Spinal manipulation is a useful tool in migraine prophylaxis. One study demonstrated a […]