New year, new you? Here’s 5 ways to stop your fitness resolutions fizzling out, according to a fitness expert

The decorations have been packed away, the hourly trips to the fridge in search of festive snacks seem like a lifetime ago and the majority of us are back at our desks. All that can mean only one thing. 2023 has arrived.

With internet searches for gym memberships set to peak this week, people up and down the country are dusting off their fitness gear ready for their often short-lived New Year health kick.

But how can you make sure that your fitness resolutions extend far beyond the January gym-rush? We spoke to Kieren Willats, one of the friendly team of fitness instructors at Riverhills Health Club and Spa near Ipswich who has shared his top tips on how to maintain that momentum and keep yourself healthy all the way to next Christmas and beyond.

Get your bearings

“Whether you’ve dabbled in fitness before or it’s your first time setting foot through the gym doors, don’t go in all guns blazing – take a bit of time to get comfortable with all the kit on offer by booking an induction. If you’re brand new to all things exercise, it can feel a bit daunting so having a fitness instructor who can run you through the equipment and how to use it safely will give you the best foundations to get started. We know our stuff and we can even help to pull together a personalised plan of action to help you to reach your goals so make the most of our expertise.

“The availability of personalised programmes does vary between gyms and some will charge an extra fee for this but at Riverhills everything from your induction to your fitness plan and even regular fitness reviews are covered in your membership so it’s worth double checking your own membership details to see what’s included.”

Find your fitness passion

“Just as the old saying goes ‘if you enjoy your job you’ll never work a day in your life’ the same goes for exercise. Finding a way to workout that you really enjoy will make you much less likely to throw the towel in a couple of months down the line. Whether it’s pilates, group exercise classes, swimming, running or lifting weights, trying a few things to see what ticks all your boxes will make you want to go the gym – and as any seasoned gym goers will tell you, on these cold, dreary January days, just getting there is sometimes half the battle so knowing you’ll be doing an activity that you love will make that snooze button seem much less tempting!”

Be patient

“Results don’t happen overnight and whether you’re trying to improve your overall fitness or you want to make some physical changes, progress takes time so it’s important to recognise that you aren’t necessarily going to feel or look different instantly. Setting yourself realistic goals means that you have something to work towards but they’re also milestones that are actually achievable. Again, this is where having a tailored programme created for you by one of the gym team can really help.The key to maintaining momentum is to acknowledge that as long as you’re moving forwards, it doesn’t matter how long it takes.”

Don’t be sucked in by the algorithm

“There has been a fitness boom on platforms like Instagram, TikTok and YouTube in recent years, especially during the pandemic when fitness influencers became the go to when gyms shut their doors. But it’s wise to remember that while there are thousands of workouts available at the tap of a touchscreen, they may not always be the best way to reach your own personal goals. Plus, not everyone who claims to be a fitness expert actually is one.

“If you’re pushed for time, see if your gym, like we do here at Riverhills, offers the option to take part in live classes virtually. That ensures you’ll be taught by qualified fitness instructors in real time and means that if you’re not sure on form or need to adapt anything, you won’t be left in front of a YouTube video trying to work it out for yourself.”

Comparison is the thief of joy

“Although it’s easier said than done, it’s important to not compare yourself to others on social media when it comes to setting your own fitness goals. Social media is a curated snapshot and it’s not always what it seems so it’s always worth remembering that a lot of those photos of fitness models you see on Instagram or in glossy magazines are often the result of clever lighting, filters and editing rather than the effects of a sustainable fitness routine.

“We’re our own worst critics so while it’s good to get inspiration online or even from other people in the gym, remember, everyone is at a different stage in their process.”