Got New Year’s Resolutions? The J can Help You Achieve Them

It’s that time of year again – when you take stock of your lifestyle and vow to do things better in the new year. But according to the Internet, only 9% of people who make New Year’s resolutions keep those beneficial habits all year.

While I can’t find a source for that statistic, we all know from personal experience how hard it is to sustain a new healthy habit. Well, guess what? Your Pozez JCC membership is the secret solution to keeping your New Year’s resolutions past the 30-day mark.

Here are some of the most common New Year’s resolutions, and how the J can help you achieve them.

Resolution: Embrace a healthy lifestyle

If you’re committed to exercising more in the new year, either to lose weight or get stronger or improve your heart health, the J-Fit Health Club can help you embrace a healthier lifestyle. Unlike gyms you might have tried before, J-Fit is a nonjudgmental zone. You don’t have to rock action-hero abs or sculpted arms to be welcome at the weight rack or on the resistance machines. No one will give you side-eye for walking rather than sprinting on the treadmill.

Plus, the friendly staff is here to help you start or continue your fitness journey. You can sign up for personal or small-group training to get individual attention as you develop a fitness plan. If you need social motivation, the J offers six days of group fitness classes each week, including pool-based workouts and senior-focused classes.

If saving money is also on your resolutions list, take advantage of J-Fit’s limited-time promotions to get extra value from your membership.

Resolution: Make new friends

Most people I know complain they don’t have enough friends, whether they’re busy working moms or retirees who have left the social environment of their former workplace. If expanding your social circle is a 2026 goal, the J can play matchmaker, no matter your age or stage. Kids easily make friends at our youth programs, including the Chai 5 after school program and Camp Achva summer day camp. Neurodiverse kids and young adults can expand their social horizons through the J’s inclusion and disability services, such as social skills classes and the Going Places monthly social club.

Parents of young kids will bond while their children enjoy activities like apple picking, holiday parties and crafts through Growing Jewish Families events. They also chat in the hallways during ECLC pickup; don’t estimate the power of preschool friend birthday parties for making new adult connections. The J hosts a number of affinity groups where likeminded people can get together to discuss books, men’s and women’s issues, and local news. Widows and widowers can ease their loneliness at monthly support groups in Herndon and Fairfax.

But, really, if new friends are the goal, just take a seat in the J’s main lobby. It’s a happening hangout, especially for the senior set, and pretty soon, you’ll get roped into a card game and everyone will know your name.

Resolution: Volunteer more and give to charity

Some New Year’s resolutions have a social impact bent. If you’d like to make the world a better place by giving your time and money to good causes, start your foray into tikkun olam at the J. If you have time to share, go to the J’s Volunteer Services page to find opportunities to cook and serve food to our unhoused neighbors or give rides to seniors who no longer drive with NV Rides. If you have money to give, you can donate to the J’s many programs that are free to the community or give to sustain the J itself. We also partner with the Sunrise Association to run a free camp and offer free activities for children fighting cancer. Your donation to the Sunrise Day Camp—Greater Washington will have a big impact on area families – and keep you on track with your resolutions.

Resolution: Learn a new skill

Lifelong learning is a trend these days, and it’s never too late to learn a new skill. Check out the J’s Adult Learning programs if you’d like to embrace your inner student in 2026.

Choose from language classes in Hebrew, Yiddish, and Spanish for novice and intermediate-level students. Our Mah Jongg and pickleball classes will not only teach you new skills but serve as a fabulous social opportunity (knocking off two resolutions for the price of one). The J offers swim lessons to members of all ages, from babies to seniors.

Spend more time with family

Spending time with family is a worthy resolution and one that starts at home – but it doesn’t stop there. The J makes space for parents and children to create memories together through its family programming at the center and around Northern Virginia.

Families can splash and play together during Saturday morning family swim times at the Aquatic Center or join hands for weekly Israeli Dance sessions. Young families can learn about Shabbat and holidays or just have fun at Growing Jewish Families events. Plus, keep an eye on the J’s calendar or weekly emails for one-off all-ages events, like our annual Hanukkah party.

If you’re resolved to try something new in the new year, the J is resolved to support your goals. Maybe we’ll see you here on January 1 for New Year’s Day bootcamp. If not, we’ll be here when you’re ready to rock those resolutions.