Tag: New Year’s Resolution

How’s That Resolution Going?

It’s almost a month into to the New Year and I am wondering: how’s that resolution going? When I used to be a regular gym-goer (I now work out at home) and later as a personal trainer at a gym, it was somewhat entertaining to watch the surge of new people who joined the gym in late December or early January. At first, the gym would be way busier than usual, but within a few weeks, it was back to the regulars with perhaps a few newbies still hanging in there.

Many folks have an all-or-nothing attitude to their New Year’s resolutions. If they do not hit success immediately, they simply give up. A more helpful approach is to take a step back and try to figure out what is not working and why? Ideally, when making a resolution in the first place, one should examine what has worked in the past, what has not worked in the past, what are the obstacles to success, and what is the best path toward achieving the goal. After the fact, though, is also a good to ask these questions. If the visits to the gym have petered out, why is that? Is it too hard to fit it into the schedule? Is the atmosphere too intimidating? Do you feel judged? Is it boring…or just too difficult? Answer those questions and then figure out how to overcome it. The solution could be to set a time (or times) on the weekly calendar that is dedicated to fitness. How about grabbing a friend who is willing to be on the journey with you? What about asking for help?

This, to me, is perhaps the most important point. Our fitness and health are too important to just give up. Get some help. That could be from a fitness professional–at a gym or who (like me) comes to your home or trains on-line. Contact a friend who is into fitness and can give you advice and encouragement. You may even be in touch with your physician who can refer you to providers who can help you meet your goals. It is tough to ask for help–especially when we like to think that we are strong enough to handle our own “problems.” Many times, however, reaching out can change the trajectory.

Do not give up on your goals (fitness or otherwise) just because it is not going as you hoped in the new year. January is not over yet; there are 11 months to go. Get some help, and let’s make 2026 a year of good health and fitness!

Approaching the New Year!

Hard to believe but 2025 is almost past us. Was it a good year for you, or are you ready to wish it farewell? A lot of good things happened for me this year–as well as some real challenges–and I am hoping for the best in 2026.

Of course, in the Fitness Industry, the New Year is a very busy time. The gyms and fitness centers are filled with those whom I like to call “resolutionaries.” For the first few weeks of the year, there are those who resolved to “get in shape” or “lose weight,” and they flock to gyms and fitness centers. For the vast majority, this only lasts for short time. The cycle can plays out year after year.

In the past, I have blogged about New Year’s resolutions. In 2019, I discussed strategies for having real success and sticking with it. The next year–in the middle of the pandemic–I blogged about realistic goals and expectations given the difficult circumstances, especially with regard to weight loss. In 2023, I focused on the importance of finding someone to help you or join you as you renew your fitness journey. I stand by all my advice from the previous years. Review these short essays and hopefully they will inspire and motivate you.

Finally, 2026 is the year when my first fitness videos will become available on-line. Entitled “Senior Strength for Better Walking,” it is a beginner’s level 4-part course (each session is about 20 minutes long) aimed at lower body strength. I am excited to expand the message and hope it will resonate with many older adults out there. It would be amazing if it were the first of several courses I am able to put out there.

In the meantime, best wishes to you all for a happy, healthy, and safe 2026. Remember, the work you put into keep your body healthy in 2026, will affect the way that 2027, 2028, and beyond will look and feel. It is never too late to start!