Even if you’re feeling less motivated than you were during the first few weeks of the year, it’s not a sign to give up on your exercise goals.

Published: February 16, 2023

How are your fitness New Year’s resolutions going? At the beginning of the year, many people are motivated and the gyms are packed. But after a couple of months, it’s easy to lapse, and many people do.

Even if you’re feeling less motivated than you were during the first few weeks, it’s not a sign to give up on your exercise goals. Here are a few ways to remain motivated and stick with your fitness New Year’s resolutions.

Redefine your fitness New Year’s resolutions

The good news about fitness goals is that they can change and evolve over time, as long as you stick to your original mission to improve your overall physical health. One way to reach your goals is to make them more specific. Often, people come up with somewhat vague resolutions, such as “go to the gym more” or “work out more.” Instead, try to focus on more defined numbers, like “go to the gym three times per week” or “train to run a 5K on the treadmill.”

Another way to redefine goals to increase motivation includes establishing both short- and long-term exercise goals. Sometimes, if a goal feels completely out of reach, people might give up sooner.

“The idea is to make attainable goals that are still challenging. A long-term goal may be to train and run a half-marathon. In the meantime, a short-term goal can be to run a mile, then two, then three … and so on,” said Tiff Haub, M.S., ATC/L, certified athletic trainer and manager with Norton Sports Health. “Achieving your goals builds motivation to keep going and reach for more.”

If you feel like you need some extra guidance or desire more accountability, hire a trainer or join an exercise class. At Norton Sports Health Performance & Wellness Center, our one-hour, coach-led fitness classes for adults can help you tackle any fitness goal.

What happens after you achieve your fitness goals?
First of all, congratulate yourself for sticking to and completing your fitness New Year’s resolution! Celebrate any wins — big or small. Make a commitment to yourself to maintain your physical health, and then, reevaluate. Perhaps you want to maintain this goal and stay in shape, or continue showing up to the gym at the same rate.

You also might want to look ahead to a new goal: Go more distance; add more weight, incorporate new muscle groups — or try a totally new activity or exercise class to push the boundaries of your comfort zone and continue building confidence.