Sticking to your New Year fitness resolutions can be challenging, but you don’t have to be part of the majority who abandon their goals before February. Unfortunately, around 80% of resolutions fail. Whether you’re looking to build strength, get healthier, or prepare for the next big event, here are some strategies that will help you keep your fitness journey on track throughout 2025.
1. Train for Something – Schedule in Advance
Canadians are no strangers to setting big goals, whether it’s running in the Calgary Marathon in May, competing in a local CrossFit challenge, or testing their limits in regional weightlifting competitions. Athletes of all levels train for specific events because:
- They stay motivated. Having a set goal or competition on the calendar keeps you accountable.
- It creates a sense of achievement. After completing that event, you can reflect on your progress and set your next challenge.
If you’re into strength training, look into weightlifting events sponsored by the Ontario Weightlifting Association or powerlifting competitions held across Canada. For runners, check out races like the Vancouver Sun Run or the Around the Bay Road Race in Hamilton—Canada’s oldest long-distance road race. Having something to train for is a powerful motivator that helps you stay consistent with your workouts.
2. Keep Yourself Motivated – How Can You Do It?
Progress Pictures:
Taking progress pictures is a great way to stay on track. If you’re lifting weights or focusing on muscle growth, a simple set of pictures—front, back, and side—every few weeks will help you see how far you’ve come. Remember, visible results don’t happen overnight, but sticking with your routine will pay off. Whether you’re working out in a commercial gym or at home with York Barbell Canada equipment, capturing progress can make all the difference.
Remember Your Why:
Think back to why you started. Did you want to feel stronger? Improve your health? Be a role model for your kids? Write down your reasons in a journal or a note on your phone. Whenever you feel like giving up, read that reminder. Canadian winters are long and tough, but so are you—don’t let a little cold stop you!
Change Up Your Routine:
Monotony kills motivation. Break up your usual workouts by trying new activities that align with your goals. If the gym feels stale, why not explore outdoor options like:
- Cross-country skiing—a Canadian classic that provides a full-body workout.
- Hiking the beautiful trails of your local conservation areas.
- Home-based strength training sessions using York Barbell dumbbells, barbells, and benches for convenience and efficiency.
Adding variety keeps your workouts fun, engaging, and something to look forward to.
3. Find an Accountability Partner- Verbal or Physical
Accountability is key to staying consistent with your fitness resolutions. Talk to a friend, family member, or coworker about your goals. Better yet, find a workout partner. Whether it’s hitting the gym together, lifting weights at home, or going for a run, having someone to share the journey with makes it easier to stay committed. In Canada, many fitness communities and clubs (from running groups to weightlifting teams) offer the support and encouragement you need to succeed.
Not everyone can work out with a buddy, but even sharing your progress online or joining virtual fitness challenges can help hold you accountable.
4. Reflect and Adjust Your Goals
Sometimes, our New Year’s fitness goals need tweaking. Maybe you set a target that’s a bit unrealistic, or your priorities have shifted. That’s okay—adjust your goals to keep them SMART:
- Specific: “I want to bench press 200 lbs.” instead of “I want to get stronger.”
- Measurable: Use numbers, like the amount of weight lifted, or time spent exercising each week.
- Achievable: Push yourself, but don’t set impossible goals.
- Relevant: Ensure it aligns with what’s important to you.
- Time-bound: Give yourself clear deadlines.
If life gets busy (and it will), remember that consistency beats perfection. Schedule your workouts like you would any important meeting. For instance, plan strength training three times a week using your York Barbell gear. Start small, build momentum, and celebrate every win, no matter how minor.
Pro Tip: Reward yourself when you hit milestones. Treat yourself to a new pair of workout shoes, a fitness tracker, or fresh gym gear—items that support your continued progress.
Final Thoughts on how to stick to your new year fitness resolutions in 2025
Sticking to your New Year fitness resolutions in 2025 is about persistence, flexibility, and making sustainable changes. In Canada, where winter months can make it tempting to stay indoors, having the right equipment—like durable York Barbell weights and benches—ensures you can stay active no matter the weather.
Above all, be kind to yourself. There will be days when you don’t meet your expectations—and that’s perfectly okay. The key is to bounce back and keep moving forward. If you need extra support, consider hiring a personal trainer or nutritionist to guide you. For more fitness tips, inspiration, and the best home gym equipment, visit York Barbell Canada. Here’s to a stronger, healthier, and more resilient you in 2025!