Trying new things can be daunting, whether it may be new food, a new haircut or exercise. Sometimes all that is needed is trusted guidance to allow your comfort levels to go from 0 to 100. This blog is for the exercise novices out there who are looking to make 2025 the year that you become the best version of yourself.

But where do you start?

And how do you ensure that your resolutions do not fizzle out by February?

Let’s dive into how to set achievable goals, stay accountable and ensure you Keep Moving.

1. GOAL SETTING

You may have heard of the term – ‘go big or go home’. Although this term is widely used to promote hard work, it can be overwhelming, discouraging and create a sense of anxiety. My first tip to you would be to set yourself realistic and achievable goals. The term ‘SMART’ is often used to set goals that are attainable.

Breaking this into ‘short’, ‘medium’, and ‘long’ term goals can be a good place to start.

For example, if my main goal is to be able to run 5km without stopping, it would be unrealistic of me to go from not running for the past 5 years to running 5km all at once. Even if this was achievable, it certainly would not be enjoyable. Therefore, I can split my goals as outlined below:

Short: To be able to run 2km without stopping in 4 weeks

Medium: To be able to run and walk for a distance of 5km in 3 months

Long: To be able to run 5km without stopping in 6 months

Research has proven over and over again that the people who appropriately set goals are more likely to be successful in achieving them. This is because they:

• Provide a sense of achievement which promotes happiness.
• Boosts focus, persistence, and motivation.
• Enhance performance, satisfaction, and well-being.
• Enable progress tracking and accountability.

2. STAYING ACCOUNTABLE

Sticking to your New Year’s resolution is no walk in the park. Research has shown that only 55% of people stick to their New Year’s resolutions one month after making them. This number falls to 43% after 3 months, with some estimates indicating only 8% of people achieve their New Year’s resolutions by the end of the year.

But don’t panic. I have some top tips on how to make sure you stay accountable to achieving your goals.

• Make a plan.

Not every exercise plan will be the same as this will heavily depend on individual circumstances. For all the early birds out there, you may be able to stick to an early morning routine, however if you need to complete the school run in the morning, completing exercises later in the day may be more appropriate.

You must pick an exercise that you enjoy. If you want to build your strength to look and feel better, then buy a new gym set that will boost your confidence when at the gym. If you like variation and having an instructor to guide you through exercise, then a Pilates class may be better suited. Research shows that people have more success achieving goals if they have a connection to things they enjoy.

• Set a date

Mark the date down on a calendar. Write it on a sticky note on your laptop. Whatever you do, make sure that date is engrained in your mind. It gives a ‘fresh start’ feeling and builds motivation to complete your new exercise regime.

• Have a buddy

Bringing a friend or family member with you to exercise is a great way to hold each other accountable to your new goal. If this isn’t possible for you, then joining a class or being guided by a healthcare professional can be another way to create a sense of community around exercise.

HOW TO START?

If you’re still struggling to find the right exercise for you then I would suggest to book in at your local physiotherapy clinic to form a treatment program on how to achieve your 2025 exercise goals.  Here at UniquePhysio we have skilled physiotherapists and exercise physiologists who can tailor an exercise program specific to your needs. Clinical Pilates and rehabilitation classes empower clients so that they can achieve their goals. Whether you are someone recovering from a recent injury, wanting to return to sport or living with persistent pain, we have classes available for you.

Wanting to be the best version of yourself in 2025?

Set goals, stay accountable and keep moving!