With a new year upon us, there are many workouts and diets being advertised everywhere you look. At times, it can feel overwhelming with all the options out there.
I’m here to give it to you in simple, straight terms. You don’t need fancy exercise equipment or even a gym to workout in. If there is anything we learned from this pandemic, it would be how to be resourceful and resilient through change (maybe even a little bit creative).
There are numerous workout routines you can do from the comfort of your own home, many of which we provide on our YouTube channel. However, if you prefer a gym environment to workout in, be sure to visit the Ivy Tech Fitness Center to get signed up.
Maybe you enjoy taking walks or riding your bike. Getting outside in nature is so beneficial to your mental health. Find a workout buddy to join you. The most important thing is that you’re staying active and healthy by taking good care of yourself. Don’t get caught up in all the gimmicks out there. It’s not necessary.
Another important thing to consider is not to be wrapped up into any particular diet. Many diets set you up to fail. Don’t make your focus on taking away from your diet, but simply adding to it. Add more fruits and vegetables, lean protein (beans, nuts, lean meat, etc.), and make sure you’re not skipping meals. When you’re hungry, eat. Eating unhealthy food is okay. Just do it in moderation and always add something healthy along with it (i.e. If you’re eating pizza, add some veggies along with it.)
It’s important to take baby steps to a healthy lifestyle. Don’t get all wrapped up in New Year’s resolutions. You don’t need a new year to make changes. You just need a healthy mindset and small goals to work towards. Put yourself first and focus on making YOU a better and healthier person.
And, remember, if you need guidance, the Ivy Tech Wellness Center staff is here to help you. We can coach you and help guide you in reaching your goals. If you have questions or wish to make an appointment, you can e-mail alutzel@ivytech.edu.
I developed a passion for wellness after I experienced many years of health issues. Taking care of myself through exercise, healthy eating, and reducing stress, is what led me to a career in wellness. I decided I wanted to help others learn the benefits of a healthy lifestyle.
I have been the Wellness Director at Ivy Tech since 2013. I previously worked as a Health Advocate and Personal Trainer at St. Vincent Healthy Lives and prior to that was a Fitness Tech for Ivy Tech and personal trainer and group exercise instructor at the Dunigan YMCA. I also taught classes in senior living centers and conducted private personal training sessions for people of all ages.
I have two Bachelor’s degrees from USI in Communications and German. I am a certified Health & Wellness Coach through Wellcoaches and received my personal training certification through the American College of Sports Medicine. I am also Reiki Level II certified and a member of the American College of Sports Medicine® and the International Association for Worksite Health Promotion. I also have a background in mental health and certified in Adult and Youth Mental Health First Aid and completed ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training) and I'm a QPR Suicide Prevention Instructor. In December 2024, I graduated with a Master of Education in Student Learning and Wellbeing at the University of Missouri.
When I'm not exercising, I'm busy volunteering for several organizations including St. Vincent’s No One Dies Alone program. In 2011, I ran in the Marathon for the Cure in Washington, D.C. and raised over $6,200 towards breast cancer research. My mother, who passed away from breast cancer, was my inspiration for doing this. I also competed in several triathlons and love to travel and spend time with my 16-year old daughter, my friends, and my dog and three cats. I love animals and started a pet therapy program at Ivy Tech called Paws ’N Relax to help students manage stress and anxiety during final exams.
At Ivy Tech, we are more than just a Fitness Center. We believe in treating the body as a whole and working on body, mind, and spirit. We have programs that focus on the nine area of wellness: physical, emotional, social, spiritual, intellectual, financial, creative, environmental, and occupational. We offer a Relaxation Lounge and emWavePro Biofeedback program to help manage anxiety. Stress is a contributor to many health issues and we want to make sure you have tools to manage it better. We want to help you live a long, happy, and healthy life.
Update: In the Spring of 2023, I was diagnosed with dermatomyositis which is a rare auto-immune disorder that causes rashes and attacks the muscles. I have developed severe muscle atrophy, pain, and weakness. I am still exercising, eating healthy, and managing stress now more than ever. There is no known cause for this condition but it is treated with medication and a healthy lifestyle. I am just taking it one day at a time and continuing to help others learn how to live a healthy lifestyle.
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