Reach your health and fitness goals in downtown Albany
Sticking to your health and fitness New Year's resolutions can be challenging. In fact, according to a 2023 Forbes Health Poll, only 8% of people said their resolutions lasted a month. We asked downtown Albany's health and fitness experts to weigh in (no pun intended) with their tips for maintaining goals for the New Year. Although each expert provides a unique service within our District, they all agree that setting smaller, more focused goals is better than large, loftier ones that are — quite frankly — difficult to reach. Be kind to yourself this New Year and listen to these experts:
Ascend Wellness MD (59 North Pearl St, Suite 2)
Dr. Jackcy Jacob, MD, FACP, FAAP:
"Start today and focus on specific, consistent effort. For example, instead of 'I want to exercise more,' say 'I want to walk 30 minutes each day.' I highly recommend the book Atomic Habits by James Clear for developing your framework and sticking with it."
Ascend Wellness is a concierge medical practice in downtown Albany owned by Dr. Jackcy Jacob, a board-certified internal medicine and pediatrics doctor.
Blessed Body Fitness (488 Broadway)
Nicole Daniels, Owner/Instructor:
"One thing would be to make smaller goals. So many people make goals related to the whole year. Take it one month at a time or even a season at a time with your goals. That is the biggest thing for me. As far as the food that you are putting into your body, I would suggest allowing a treat here and there but filling your pantry with foods that are good for you. It's important what you're putting into your body."
Blessed Body Fitness is a pole, dance, and fitness studio in downtown Albany to help students and clients achieve body awareness and confidence while toning, and building strength, flexibility, and coordination.
Co-founders Don Applyrs, Markael Brace, Angelo Maddox, Ali Sifflet :
“Staying on track with health and fitness goals is about building consistency; start small and celebrate every milestone to keep the momentum going. Remember, it’s a journey, not a sprint—focus on progress, not perfection, and seek support.”
Cap City Runners is an all-levels, supportive running community that meets on Saturday mornings at Alias Coffee (76 N Pearl St) in downtown Albany.
Omni Fitness Center (54 State St)
Bryan Nunziato, Fitness Manager and Certified Personal Trainer:
"Set small goals that are attainable and sustainable. Create an action plan and commit to it. If your goal is weight loss, focus on introducing a healthier habit each week. For example, walk 10,000 steps five days a week, drink half your body weight in water each day, or eat more protein-rich meals throughout the day. Small wins equal big results!
"Surround yourself with people who will support you in your health and fitness goals. Get a workout buddy, join a group fitness class, or hire a personal trainer. Having an accountability partner can help you stay motivated and focused on your goals."
Omni Fitness Center is a "boutique" fitness center located in the heart of Downtown known for its state-of-the-art fitness equipment, and professional, friendly service.
Precision Fitness (374 Broadway)
Lena Hart, Owner/Fitness Professional with over 30 years of experience:
"In my experience resolutions don’t work. Instead, commit to one thing you think will improve your overall wellness, then focus wholeheartedly on working on it as consistently as you can. Good health is the product of an aggregation of habits that serve your wellness objectives. You win every time you practice.”
Precision Fitness is an appointment-only, one-on-one personal training studio in Downtown owned and operated by Lena Hart that also offers nutrition counseling, injury rehabilitation, and exercise programs for pain management.
