Harrison Trainer Says Skip The Fun

After waking up tomorrow and getting rid of the champagne headache, many will want to start the new year with a resolution.

According to the United States Government, getting fit and losing weight are two of the top resolutions Americans make each year. 

Tony Cacciola, personal trainer and owner of One on One Personal Trainer on Halstead Avenue, has some tips for those looking to shed some pounds in 2010.

"We need to stop the magic word," he said. "That word is fun."

He said that people have way to much fun.

"People say 'I want to drink and eat french fries because it is fun,'" he said. "Obama's health plan is going to fail. How can you take care of people that have so much fun?" 

Cacciola, 60, has been a trainer for more than 40 years, exercised with celebrities such as Arnold Schwarzenegger.

He said obesity has become a serious problem, and the statistics prove it.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, there has been a dramatic increase of obesity in the United States over the last 20 years. In 2008,  32 states had an obesity rate equal to or more than 25 percent.

In New York, the obesity rate is at 25 percent.

Cacciola said that in order to stop the epidemic, people need to have more discipline. 

"You can have fun once a week, not six times a week," he said.

He advises people to work out at least two times a week with weights and to eat meals with protein, low carbs and a little fat.

"Anything man-made like alcohol and margarine is not good for you."  

He said that people have to control themselves in order to achieve their goals.

"People need to program themselves early, they need to start in schools and parents need to teach their kids. Kids don't know anything about cookies and junk, they are taught." 

He had a message for everyone to start off a healthy 2010.

"When you get older your body changes, so take responsibility."