A new year means a new you. Why not start 2016 by making your health and physical fitness a priority?

“Physical fitness is not only one of the most important keys to a healthy body, it is the basis of a dynamic and creative intellectual activity,” John F. Kennedy, the 35th president of the United States, once said.

A strong mind and strong body is key to a happy and healthy life.

“I think in today’s society the United States is becoming more and more an obese population,” Linda Reilly, community health director of the Wilkes-Barre Family YMCA said. “People need to be healthier, and fitness is a big part of it.”

She believes the best and most beneficial workout is centered on what the individual likes to do. It is necessary that someone enjoys what they’re doing so they stay motivated.

“It all depends on the person,” Reilly said. “But I think each workout is of equal value as long as you’re doing something.”

With various workouts to choose from, there is something that is suitable for every individual. Aerobic exercise, strength training, flexibility, core exercise and balance training are some ways to spice up your workout routine, according to Healthline.com.

Reilly stresses the importance of using good body mechanics and good form while working out. She believes that people get more out of a workout when they are doing things correctly and using the appropriate weight for their size.

Reilly is also a strong believer in proper nutrition and eating correctly. She feels that pairing both components of nutrition and physical fitness make for great results.

“Being fit is fun,” Tyler Stoltzfus, a freshman pharmacy major said.

Stoltzfus works out at the YMCA gym three days a week and two days at the Marts Gym. As a competitive powerlifter, he focuses on bench and dead lift weight training.

He believes that even if people don’t want to take their fitness abilities to a competitive stage, it still is important to exercise on a regular basis.

Stoltzfus thinks it is necessary for people to practice good fitness in order for them to live longer, be healthier and not risk the chance of missing out on activities later in life.

Whether you enjoy running on the treadmill, bicycling or weight lifting, any kind of physical fitness can spark a positive change in your life.

Good nutrition and fitness “can help you to reach and maintain a healthy weight, reduce your risk of chronic diseases and promote your overall health,” according to fitness.gov.

American columnist, Franklin Pierce Adams said, “Health is the thing that makes you feel that now is the best time of the year.”