Local businesses in Columbia, Missouri can help you keep five of the most common New Year’s resolutions. If you want to (1) exercise more, (2) establish a larger savings, (3) quit smoking, (4) eat healthier, or (5) give back to the community in the new year, you can look to local businesses for help.
Exercise More — Wilson’s Fitness Centers
Wilson’s Fitness Center is a local, family-owned business and one of the most well-reviewed gyms in Columbia. Members give the health and fitness establishment 4.1 stars on Google and 4.5 stars on Facebook. They have three fitness centers in convenient locations around town and two outdoor pool facilities. Memberships are customized to each individual’s needs. The gym is stocked with all the necessary equipment, and personal trainers are available to help you develop a tailored workout plan to meet your weight loss or health goals. There are hundreds of fitness classes, including hot yoga and cycling, and special programs, such as swim lessons and sports camps. For membership information, visit the official Wilson’s Fitness Centers website.
Establish a Savings Account — Banks in Columbia
Choosing a bank is a very personal decision and should be made based on the financial services you need most. For example, you should know if there’s a branch in your local area, if they charge fees, and if they offer mobile banking. This blog post from NerdWallet offers some good advice on choosing a bank. There are many banks in Columbia to choose from, such as the Missouri Credit Union and Tigers Credit Union, which are popular options among students. If you already have a bank account, consider meeting with an advisor at your bank to discuss ways to grow your savings. They often offer helpful advice and can set you up on an automatic savings program.
Quit Smoking — Columbia Free Smoking Cessation Program
The Columbia/Boone County Department of Public Health and Human Services offers a free smoking cessation program. If you want to quit smoking now, this free program could be the way to do it. The program includes two free counseling sessions and a free box of patches. Quitting cigarettes or tobacco can lower your blood pressure, improve circulation, make breathing easier, lower your risk of disease, and improve your overall health. You’ll also save money by not needing to purchase those expensive packages of cigarettes anymore! If you’re ready to quit, visit the local public health website, or contact their nurses at (573) 874-7356 for more details.
Eat Healthier — Clovers Natural Market
Grocery shopping can be a big chore, especially if you’re unsure of what foods best meet your nutritional needs. Many new terms have been showing up on food labels, such as organic, non-GMO, fat-free, low-fat, sugar-free, cage-free, and locally sourced. While these healthier food options are good for us, they’ve also complicated our shopping. We spend more time in the produce section comparing prices between inorganic and organic fruits, wondering what the difference is. At Clovers Natural Market, the staff is very knowledgeable about health foods, and they can help you make the decision right for you. They carry those hard-to-find products and a comprehensive selection of natural products: organic and pesticide-free produce, gourmet and specialty products, gluten-free products, sugar-free products, low sodium products, fair-trade and local coffee, tea, books, incense, candles, and an extensive supplement selection. Shop this local business that’s been in Columbia since 1965 to get healthier this new year!
Give Back to the Community — Nonprofits in Columbia, MO
Volunteering can make you feel more involved in the community. There are many charities and nonprofits in Columbia that provide volunteer opportunities. Woodhaven is a local nonprofit organization dedicated to helping adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. They offer both individual and group volunteer opportunities to make a difference in someone else’s life. Another local nonprofit offering volunteer opportunities is the Voluntary Action Center of Boone County. Their mission is to help low-income individuals and families bridge the gaps between crisis and stability and improve the quality of life in Boone County. They host a variety of programs with the help of volunteers throughout the year. You can find ways to give back to the community by visiting either of these organizations or the many others in Columbia.
Don’t flake out on your New Year’s resolution this year. Let the local businesses of Columbia help you keep your resolutions and achieve your goals!