Why Wait Till January to Get Fit?
The start of a new year often feels like the perfect time to make resolutions, especially when it comes to fitness. You’ve probably heard countless times that January is the best time to hit the gym and get serious about your health. But here’s a question – why wait until then? Is there something magical about January that makes it the only time for fitness success?
In my experience, the sooner you start, the better the results. Waiting until January means you could miss out on the opportunity to kickstart your health journey now, putting yourself ahead of the curve. Let’s break down why waiting is counterproductive and why starting today can be your most powerful decision.
The Myth of the January Start
It’s tempting to join the “New Year, New Me” crowd. You’re fresh off the festive season, and with the indulgence of mince pies and family dinners, you might feel like giving yourself a break for the rest of the year. The problem with this mindset is that it delays progress. The motivation we hope will magically appear in January often fades by February. Gyms are packed in the first few weeks of the year, and it's easy to feel overwhelmed by the influx of people and overstated expectations.
Plus, research shows that up to 80% of New Year's resolutions fail by February. So instead of putting pressure on yourself to be part of a yearly trend, why not shift your mindset to something more sustainable and start before the crowd rushes in?
Benefits of Starting Now
1. A Head Start on Your Goals
Imagine where you could be by January if you started today. By getting into a routine now, you’ll already be in the groove before the new year even begins. This gives you a solid foundation to build upon rather than having to start from scratch when everyone else does.
Starting now allows you to experiment with different routines, exercises, and meal plans to find what works for your body. You'll have the luxury of trial and error without the pressure of needing to get it right immediately, like many feel in January.
2. Avoid the New Year Gym Crowds
January gyms are infamous for being packed. It’s hard to find available equipment, and if you’re new to fitness, this can be incredibly intimidating. Starting now lets you ease into gym life when it’s quieter, giving you more time to focus on your workouts and technique without feeling rushed or watched.
3. Better Mental Preparation
A lot of us fall into the trap of waiting for the perfect time to start something new. But if you're already mentally preparing and setting goals now, you'll be less likely to face the pressure or stress of a January deadline. By starting in October or November, you can create a solid mental foundation to keep going, rather than relying on a New Year resolution that may fade with time.
4. Stay Ahead of the Holiday Weight Gain
We all enjoy a bit of indulgence over the festive season, but waiting until January means you could be setting yourself back even further by overindulging. When you start your fitness journey before the holidays, you'll be more mindful of what you eat and drink during festive parties. Plus, you’ll be more motivated to stay active, which means you can enjoy the festive period without the guilt.
5. Create a Realistic, Long-Term Routine
One of the main reasons fitness resolutions fail is because people often adopt unsustainable, all-or-nothing mindsets. By starting before January, you can set realistic, long-term goals without the rush. You’ll have time to build a solid routine that works with your lifestyle, which is crucial for consistency. Fitness is not a short-term fix; it's a lifelong commitment, and the earlier you start developing healthy habits, the better.
It’s Not Just About the Gym
It’s worth noting that starting your fitness journey doesn’t mean you have to dive headfirst into a hardcore gym routine. Fitness encompasses many aspects – from strength training to cardio, to nutrition and mental health. So if the thought of going to the gym feels daunting, begin by taking small steps. You could start walking more, doing bodyweight exercises at home, or focusing on cleaning up your diet. These simple changes will make a huge difference in how you feel and look come January.
Nutrition: Why Wait?
Most people neglect the impact of nutrition when thinking about fitness, but it’s a huge part of the puzzle. You don’t need to overhaul your entire diet overnight. Start small by incorporating more whole foods and lean protein into your meals. Keep your portions balanced and avoid excessive sugar and processed foods.
The holidays can be a nutritional minefield, but if you start building better eating habits now, you’ll be less likely to overindulge later. You’ll learn to balance festive treats with healthier choices, which will set you up for long-term success.
Accountability and Technology
If motivation is what’s stopping you from starting now, technology can help. There are numerous fitness apps, trackers, and online coaching programs designed to keep you accountable. I use a 24/7 coaching approach with my clients, leveraging tech to ensure they stay on track. You don’t need to wait until January to start working with a coach or using these tools – the earlier you begin, the better prepared you’ll be.
Lou’s Verdict
Waiting until January to start your fitness journey is just delaying the inevitable. Starting now not only puts you in a better position for success but also allows you to create a sustainable routine before the New Year pressure hits. Whether it’s hitting the gym, focusing on nutrition, or simply getting more active, you have every reason to begin today.
Actionable Insights:
Set small, achievable goals that you can work towards between now and January. These could be as simple as walking 30 minutes a day or doing 10 push-ups.
Make gradual changes to your diet by including more whole foods and cutting back on processed snacks.
Find an accountability partner – whether that’s a coach like myself or a friend – to keep you motivated throughout the holiday season.
Start now, and you’ll be miles ahead of where you would be if you waited until January.
For more personalised support and guidance, check out my coaching services and pricing options here.
