I hear the words “I really need to get in shape” on a very regular basis, but then, I am a trainer. But, perhaps that thought’s been creeping in more – as we careen towards Christmas and the festivities loom and it’s nearly (but not quite) acceptable to talk about the C word, the idea of starting afresh in January has crossed your mind. I mean, the New Year’s resolutions with ideals of how 2025 is going be ‘the year’ and different must seem like a perfect opportunity, right?
Perhaps the idea of waiting until January might sound good in theory, but there are some great reasons to start now. Imagine for a moment heading into January not with the seasonal hangover of excess and a mountain to climb, but instead feeling strong, motivated, and already on your way because you got smart and got going now?
Beat the crowds
Ever walked into a gym on January 2nd? Ideally don’t - it’s absolutely rammed. Everyone with an idea or resolution to do something dusts down their gym membership or mints a new one and there they are. In a crowded gym, likely with all the gear and very much no idea – and not enough staff to help them. But, if you start now, though, you’ll have the time and space to get familiar with your workouts, and start that habit forming and get in the gym (or home gym) groove long before it fills up.
Pro-tip: Take advantage of quieter times now to try new workouts, kit or exercises in the gym without feeling pressured. Also, many gyms will be offering better deals on memberships at the end of the year in a bid to capture business in what can be a declining time of the year, so it’s likely there’s deals or bargains to be snapped up now…
Build that all-important momentum NOW before silly season
Christmas or ‘the holidays’ to use a more generic title are often associated with excess and indulgence – and, just to be clear, I’m all for that! It’s the end of the year, you can often feel you’re crawling to the finish line trying to get things sorted so you can enjoy a break, there’s office parties, get togethers, drinks and tins of lovely stuff liberally adorning most surfaces in offices and homes alike. But, by starting a fitness routine now, you can help balance those holiday treats with some healthier habits that can at least mitigate those times when you’re perhaps, not so good. So, instead of feeling the “holiday guilt”, flagellating yourself and committing to drastic resolutions in January that a Benedict monk would be impressed with, you can enjoy those treats with less stress, knowing you’re already on a great track with a sustainable routine.
Pro-tip: Aim for short, consistent workouts over the next few weeks. You don’t need to go “all in” right away (in fact, this might just put you off). Even 20-30 minutes a few times a week will kickstart that all-important momentum – something like my 20 workouts in 20 minutes is an excellent place to start with next to no equipment and workouts that can be done in the gym or at home.
Start of January by feeling smug because you’re already ahead
Imagine starting 2025 already with a head start. When everyone else is just getting going, you’ll already have weeks of training, a routine, and likely some visible progress under your belt. And that smugness I mentioned just now. It’s a massive boost in confidence and the sort of motivation that can keep you going strong all year as you make more gains and progress.
Pro-tip: Set yourself landmark goals through to the end of the year – from small wins can big progress be made, and this can keep you on track, motivated and give you something tangible to celebrate, like “work out twice a week” or “try three new healthy recipes.” And, by the end of January, you’ll already be in that groove and likely way ahead of the pack…
Help yourself to combat the New Years blues or winter and cabin fever
The winter months can be a drag for people, and many can feel a bit down during the winter months; there’s less sunlight, the weather’s blinking cold, and post-holiday-season blues all play their part. But, by getting moving now, you’re on your way to improving your mood, energy, and mental health NOW. It’s well documented that exercise releases endorphins, that happy stuff that improves your overall mood and leads to you feeling less stressed.
Pro-tip: There’s a simple way to make your workouts enjoyable: choose activities you like. Jump in a pool (or the sea where I live – there’s some people that LOVE that cold-water stuff), maybe take a brisk walk, or lift weights – whatever’s going to get you moving. You’re much more likely to stick to a routine when you enjoy it, and that mental boost will help you feel your best through winter.
Every journey starts with a single step…but keep walking
So many New Year’s resolutions crash and burn because people set huge, unsustainable goals from day one when they’re all enthusiastic and motivated, but, motivation wears off a lot quicker than dedication and commitment ever will. But, by starting now, you’re giving yourself a chance to ease into ‘new you’ gradually, learning what works for you without any added pressure. So, instead of going from zero to five workouts a week and finding after a couple of weeks your knackered self just can’t keep up, you have the opportunity to experiment with what fits your schedule and energy levels and build from there.
Pro-tip: It’s a good idea to start with one or two small goals—for example, walking 10,000 steps a day or doing weights twice a week. Then, over the next few weeks, you can build on these goals, creating a solid foundation before the New Year even arrives.
Create a routine that’s just for you
The great thing about when you start now is that you’re freeing yourself from the “New Year’s mentality” that often comes with extreme changes and lofty or unachievable goals. Remember, you’re doing this for you, at your pace and on your terms. There’s no rush, no competition – the only race is with yourself. Ultimately, it’s all about finding a rhythm that genuinely works for you.
Pro-tip: Use this time before the New Year to figure out what you enjoy most: try different classes, routines, self-help or even virtual workouts. This way, you’re not just setting goals because it’s “resolution time”; you’re building long-term habits that fits into your life.
See and feel progress sooner
Perhaps obvious, but by starting now, you’ll get to enjoy the results sooner as well. And I don’t just mean physical changes either: from better sleep, to improved energy, to reduced stress - benefits that come with regular movement and exercise. So, why wait to feel better if you don’t have to?
Pro-tip: Make sure you track small changes as you go along, such as increased energy, less stress, or improved strength. And then make sure you celebrate those wins and use them as encouragement to keep going further, higher and stronger. Remember, it’s the journey not just the destination…
And finally…
There’s no rule that says the first of January is the best day to get things going; if you’ve been thinking about it, today is as good a day as any. And, by starting now, you’re setting yourself up for a healthier, more confident, and less stressed holiday season—and heading into the new year already ahead of the game – and what’s not to like about that? So, let’s make today the day you literally say, “Today’s the day.”
No grand resolutions. No over promises. No January stress. Just a real, sustainable step toward feeling better. And that begins right now.
