New Year’s resolutions and fitness goals seem to go hand in hand. With Google seeing searches for both ‘New Year’s resolutions’ and ‘gym memberships’ start to increase from the beginning of December, why are we waiting until January to start?
With this in mind, the gym garden room experts at Haon Garden Rooms wanted to see how you could increase your chances of success with your health and fitness resolutions.
Ten tips on how to maximise the success of your health and fitness resolutions
- Start in December to ease into it
Begin your fitness journey before the new year starts, and use December to experiment with routines, explore exercises, and establish healthy habits without the pressure of a full-on resolution.
- Set SMART goals
Make your goals Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. For example, commit to working out 3 days a week for 30 minutes instead of vaguely aiming to “get fit.”
- Minimise barriers
Eliminate obstacles that can derail your fitness plans; if committing to a class or gym is too much for you, consider ordering home equipment like dumbbells, resistance bands, or a yoga mat and creating a small home or garden gym to exercise conveniently.
- Build a routine around your lifestyle
Identify when you’re most energetic, whether that’s morning, lunch, or evening, and plan workouts accordingly. A consistent schedule ensures fitness becomes a habit, not an afterthought.
- Track progress for motivation
Use fitness apps, journals, or a calendar to track workouts, meals, and milestones; seeing your progress, no matter how small keeps your motivation high and helps you stay on track.
- Start small and gradually ramp up
Avoid the “all-or-nothing” trap! Begin with achievable steps like walking 15 minutes daily or adding one strength workout per week, and build up as you gain confidence and stamina.
- Find joy in the journey
Choose activities you genuinely enjoy, like dancing, hiking, or Pilates, so exercising feels less like a chore. Spending December experimenting with different activities can help you identify what you love so you can go into January knowing what you want to do.
- Plan for nutrition and convenience
Meal prep or stock up on healthy, easy-to-make foods to reduce the temptation of unhealthy options, and pair balanced eating with your fitness goals for optimal results.
- Create a supportive environment
Share your goals with family or friends, or join a fitness class or online community for accountability. Surrounding yourself with positivity and encouragement makes it easier to stay committed.
- Celebrate wins and prioritise rest
Recognise every achievement, whether hitting your first workout streak or feeling stronger, by rewarding yourself with non-food treats like new workout gear. Don’t forget to prioritise sleep, hydration, and recovery days to keep your body and mind in shape.
Joanne is the editor for Workplace Wellbeing Professional and has a keen interest in promoting the safety and wellbeing of the global workforce. After earning a bachelor's degree in English literature and media studies, she taught English in China and Vietnam for two years. Before joining Work Well Pro, Joanne worked as a marketing coordinator for luxury property, where her responsibilities included blog writing, photography, and video creation.
