4 Tips to Make Your 2026 Fitness Resolutions Stick

The holiday season often brings joy, celebrations and, for many of us, a break from our usual routines. Fitness centers across the country prepare for "the rush", a surge of new members eager to act on their fitness resolutions.

While these intentions are commendable, many of these resolutions lose steam within a few weeks. The motivation, often tied to undoing holiday indulgence, may not be strong enough to create lasting change. 

What if there was a better way to approach your health goals? Instead of waiting for Jan. 1, you can use the holiday season to build a solid foundation for a healthier new year. This proactive approach can help you turn a temporary resolution into a permanent, rewarding lifestyle.

What are the benefits of a fitness routine?

Making a permanent change to your fitness routine offers benefits that go far beyond a number on a scale. Even small amounts of physical activity can help lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of developing high blood pressure-related problems like heart attack and stroke. Research also shows that exercise improves mental well-being, particularly for middle-aged and older adults. It can also help relieve chronic pain and may even lower your risk for certain types of cancer. 

How can I build and maintain New Year’s resolutions?

If you are serious about changing your fitness routine for good, you need a structured and mindful approach. Here are four tips:

1. Create a S.M.A.R.T. plan

The energy that comes with a new year is powerful, so channel it wisely. A common mistake is trying to change too much too quickly. To set yourself up for success, create goals that are S.M.A.R.T.:

• Specific: Clearly define what you want to accomplish. Instead of a vague goal like "get in shape," aim for something specific, such as "run a 5K" or "gain two pounds of muscle."
• Measurable: Track your progress. This could mean logging your workouts, noting the weights you lift or timing your runs.
• Achievable: Set realistic goals. If you are new to exercise, don't commit to working out seven days a week. Start with two or three days and build from there.
• Realistic: Your goals should align with your lifestyle. Instead of completely swearing off your favorite foods, try limiting them to once a week. Small, sustainable changes are more effective than drastic ones.
• Time-bound: Give yourself a deadline. For example, "I want to gain two pounds of muscle by May 2025." A target date creates a sense of urgency and helps you stay focused.

Big victories are motivating, but so are small ones. Frame your main fitness goal as a series of smaller challenges and celebrate your progress along the way.

2. Find a program that works for you

Having a structured exercise program helps you achieve your fitness goals. A well-designed plan provides direction and eliminates the guesswork, making it easier to stay consistent.

3. Practice forgiveness and persistence

Even with the best plan, there will be ups and downs. Many people start strong, hitting the gym regularly for a few weeks, only to become discouraged when results don't appear overnight. It's important to be your own biggest supporter on this journey.

4. Focus on the bigger picture

Ultimately, a successful resolution becomes a part of your life. Your commitment to fitness needs to extend beyond the first few weeks of the year. This means finding ways to stay active during stressful holiday seasons and fitting in exercise even when you're on vacation.

How do I choose the right fitness program?

You can find many general fitness programs online, but with the new year resolutions come seasonal deals on personal training, so it’s a great time to start and take advantage of the deals. A personal trainer can design a program tailored to your specific needs, track your progress and provide motivation when you need an extra push. At Ochsner Fitness Center, our friendly personal trainers can provide a complimentary fitness assessment to get you started.

Trying something new can also keep you engaged. Consider exploring different activities like pickleball, yoga or a small-group fitness class. Whether it's a high-intensity GRIT session or a spin class in our ultramodern Ride Lab, finding an activity you genuinely enjoy will make your fitness journey more sustainable.

What should I do if I miss a workout?

You will inevitably have days where you miss a workout or make a less-than-healthy food choice. The key is not to let these moments derail your entire effort. Accept that setbacks happen. What matters most is not that you dropped the ball yesterday, but that you got back on track today. Forgive yourself, forget the slip-up and move forward with renewed determination.

How can I stay motivated to exercise?

Staying motivated requires setting achievable goals, tracking progress and finding activities you enjoy. Surrounding yourself with supportive people can also help.

As you stick with your new routine, these changes will become habits. You can then build on this foundation by adding new goals and challenges. Your dedication may even inspire friends and family to join you on their own health journeys. By integrating fitness into your daily and weekly life, you are not just chasing a short-term goal, you are building a healthier future for yourself.

Why do fitness resolutions fail? 

Most fitness resolutions fail due to unrealistic goals, lack of planning and insufficient motivation. A structured approach can help overcome these challenges.

This holiday season, you have the opportunity to get ahead. Instead of waiting for the new year, start laying the groundwork for your fitness resolutions now. By being mindful of your habits and visualizing your goals, you can make the transition in January seamless and successful.

At Ochsner Fitness Center, we are here to support you every step of the way. With a wide range of programs, state-of-the-art facilities and expert trainers, you have everything you need to reach your goals.

Learn more about what an Ochsner Fitness Center membership offers and take the first step toward a healthier, stronger you.