MOULTRIE -- Each year, millions of Americans resolve to get in better shape and become healthier versions of themselves. According to a recent YMCA survey of more than 1,000 adults, less than a quarter of respondents kept their resolution in 2014. An overwhelming 71 percent said they tried but fell short, and 40 percent confessed that they made it through only a couple of weeks or months.

However, there's hope for the coming year. One-third of survey respondents who plan to make a resolution in 2015 believe they'll stick to it and reach their goals, with more than half believing that encouragement from others will keep them committed, YMCA officials said.

"Finding a supportive community like the Y can be beneficial in keeping resolutions on track, because our organization is so much more than a nonprofit gym," said Robin McCord, senior program director, Moultrie YMCA. "It's a community of supportive neighbors that offers more health, more hope and more opportunity for the New Year and years to come."

A positive outlook doesn't always translate to action without setting manageable goals and leaning on the support of health and wellness communities. Here are five tips the Moultrie YMCA recommends to help make a healthy New Year's resolution stick:

1. Start small. Set attainable resolutions. For example, if your goal is to exercise more frequently in the New Year, don't schedule seven days a week at the gym. Start with a reasonable three days a week. If you'd like to eat healthier, try replacing desserts with other foods you enjoy, such as fruit or yogurt.

2. Take it one step at a time. Making a New Year's resolution doesn't require you to reassess every little detail of your life. Replacing unhealthy behaviors with healthy ones takes time, so don't become overwhelmed. Work to change one behavior at a time, and then go from there.

3. Choose a facility that focuses on a holistic approach to health. When it comes to adding healthy behaviors -- like working out -- to your lifestyle, finding a facility that keeps you motivated is critical to maintaining your exercise routine. Before committing to a membership, take a tour of local gyms to find the best fit for you.

4. Establish a little friendly competition. More than half of the Y survey respondents felt a little "healthy competition" when friends encouraged them to be even more committed to keeping their New Year's resolutions. Share your experiences with support groups -- friends, family, fellow workout class members or close colleagues. Talking about your struggles and successes will make your goals more obtainable and less intimidating.

5. Set New Year's goals with someone you love. It's easier to stick to your resolutions if you have a partner working toward similar goals. More than three-fourths of survey respondents indicated that they would set the same resolution for a member of their immediate family. Team up with a family member to set your 2015 goals, and establish a game plan that is dedicated to achieving them.

The Moultrie YMCA is offering a community-wide weight loss competition to kick-start the New Year. Team Lean is a 10-week competition including weekly weigh-ins and accountability from staff. To compete in Team Lean, one must register at the Moultrie YMCA before Jan. 15 as an individual or team of three or four people. Cash prizes are awarded to the top winners in both individual and team categories. Moultrie YMCA members pay an entry fee of $50. Non-YMCA members pay an entry fee of $75. The Team Lean competition begins Jan. 8.

For additional tips or to learn more about how to get involved with the Moultrie YMCA, contact 229-985-1154 or visit www.moultrieymca.org.

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