New Year, New You? Yes, it’s 2025 and our new goals are up and running! But, can we make them stick?

The new year often brings a ‘weight’ load of motivation to get in shape and achieve our new fitness goals. We see it as a fresh start, a chance to finally hit the gym consistently and achieve those goals. But all too often, those ambitious fitness resolutions fizzle out faster than a new years bottle of champagne!

This year, let's approach fitness goal setting with a bit more intention. Here's a few tips to hopefully set yourself up for success:

1. Do you need the "All or Nothing" Mentality?

• Focus on progress, not perfection: Don't beat yourself up over missed workouts or occasional indulgences. Small, consistent steps are more sustainable than drastic overhauls.

  
  

• Embrace setbacks: Everyone has days where they skip a workout or overeat. Instead of viewing them as failures, see them as learning opportunities.

  
  

2. Choose SMART Fitness Goals

• Specific: Clearly define what you want to achieve. Instead of "Get in shape," try "Run a 5k by X date" or "Increase strength by being able to lift 100kg by X date."

  
  

• Measurable: How will you track your progress? Think about simple ways to ensure you stay on track with your goals. There are a bunch of apps or smart devices that can help.

  
  

• Achievable: Set challenging but realistic goals. If you're new to exercise, don't expect to run a marathon in a month or lose a stone in a week. Sometimes, a simple goal such as going to the gym 3 times a week for a month, is a good start.

  
  

• Relevant: Are these goals truly important to you? Do they align with your overall health and wellbeing? Do they motivate you?

  
  

• Time: Set deadlines to keep yourself accountable.

3. Break Down Big Fitness Goals

• Short, medium and long term: Divide large goals into smaller, more manageable tasks. If your main goal is 6 months away, break them down into smaller chunks, 4/8/12 weeks as an example. 

  
  

• Create a plan: Outline your weekly workout schedule, including the types of

  exercises you'll be doing.

4. Find Your Support

• Share your goals with friends or family: Having others help support you can help motivate you to achieve those goals and keep going. When times get tough, they could be the help you need, to get back on track. 

  
  

• Consider a fitness coach or personal trainer: They can provide guidance, create personalised workout plans, and keep you accountable.They can also provide you with some new exercises to counteract that plateau. 

  
  

• Join a fitness class or group: The social aspect can help you stay motivated and consistent. Exercising with others can help push you to do more, train more and get that extra set in.

5. Celebrate Your Fitness Wins

• Acknowledge your accomplishments: No matter how small, celebrate your successes along the way. Did you finally hit that new weight? Did you hit a new personal best? Did you run further than you ever have before? Give yourself some

  credit!

  
  

• Reward yourself: Treat yourself to something special when you reach a milestone. And I don’t mean that luxury chocolate cake. I mean, new gym clothing, or a spa day. Something that can stay in line with your goals and doesn’t have a negative effect on them. 

6. Mental Wellbeing

• Listen to your body: Rest when you need it. Don't push yourself too hard, especially when starting out.

  
  

• Focus on how exercise makes you feel: Pay attention to the mental and emotional benefits of exercise, such as reduced stress, improved mood, and increased self-esteem.

  
  

• Make exercise enjoyable: Choose activities that you genuinely enjoy. This will make it easier to stay motivated and consistent.

Remember: The most important thing is to be kind to yourself throughout the process. This is a journey, not a race. Focus on building healthy habits and enjoying the process of getting fitter and stronger, and that New Year, New You will be achieved!

Eventually that motivation will turn into discipline.

What are your fitness goals for the new year? Share them in the comments below!

Take care, 

ARMR Training Academy. 

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