Have you noticed how even just the mention of making a New Year’s resolution seems so cliché? And a resolution related to working out? Forget about it. Let the eye rolls ensue. Oh, sure, people think. How long will that last?
It’s totally true that January is the busiest month of the year for gyms. Statistics show that 12% of new gym memberships come in January, but it actually represents about a 33-50% increase in volume. The second week of January is almost always the busiest of the year. And then, 80% of the New Year’s resolutions crowd drops off by the second week of February. Meaning only 20% remain, and the rate of sign-ups tapers off by February.
Okay, so you could have guessed all that. But here’s where I want to caution you:
Don’t let the cliché of starting a fitness program in January deter you from starting a fitness program in January.
I want you to be in that 12% of new members but AVOID being in that 80% that drops off. Go for it, start that new program. Resolve to eat healthier in 2016, get off the couch more often and make this your healthiest year yet.
I read an article recently that discussed challenging clients to get in as many Opportunities to Move (OTM’s) each day as possible. Examples would be:
- Park farther away from the store
- Add 5 minutes to your walk
- Walk when on the phone
- Have walking meetings
- Use a standing desk
- Dance in the kitchen
What if you viewed every situation as an opportunity to move? Make it a game! Keep track of how many OTM’s you get in each week and try to break your personal best from one week to the next.
And here’s another idea I have for your New Year’s resolution. Challenge yourself to reframe how you view working out. If you find it to be a chore, challenge yourself to view it instead as a gift to yourself. My daughter’s wonderful 3rd grade teacher says, “Every child loves to read. If they say they don’t, they just haven’t found the right book yet.” I believe this to be true with fitness. Every human body desires to move in an athletic way. If you dislike working out, you just haven’t found the right type of exercise yet. In 2016, challenge yourself to find a program you love and view your workout as a gift you’re giving yourself.
I believe 2016 will be amazing. Do you?