Every year, as the clock strikes midnight on January 1st, millions set their New Year’s resolutions. However, fitness experts identify January 17th as the day when many abandon these well-intentioned goals. Shockingly, over 90% of individuals fail to reach the resolutions they’ve set at the beginning of the year, particularly those focused on fitness pursuits.
Among those who do make specific fitness resolutions, only 8% manage to achieve their objectives. Joe Clark, a training leader at Lifetime Chestnut Hill, attributes this low success rate to the tendency of many to set overly ambitious goals without a clear, manageable plan to achieve them.
Clark points out several “red flags” that often contribute to abandoned aspirations, including the absence of a supportive network and the failure to prioritize fitness within daily schedules. He emphasizes the importance of enlisting the support of family, friends, or professional trainers to improve accountability and motivation.
“It’s challenging to undertake this journey alone, so it’s essential to reflect on how achieving your goals will transform your life,” says Clark. He advises individuals to avoid setting impractical targets without first establishing stable habits. “Focus on developing routines before ramping up the intensity or frequency of your workouts,” he suggests.
Clark explains that too many people give up because they don’t see their plan through—from setting unrealistic goals to failing to simplify their approach. “Perhaps they didn’t create the right strategy or they aimed too high without a plan,” he notes.
To overcome these challenges, Clark recommends a method he refers to as pursuing “stackable wins.” This strategy focuses on small, achievable victories over time. “Aim for stackable wins daily, weekly, and monthly,” he advises. This approach involves breaking down a major objective, like a 15-pound weight loss goal, into smaller, actionable steps that are manageable.
“We set ourselves up for success when we chip away at our goals,” Clark explains, emphasizing the importance of reaching smaller milestones. If the goal is to lose 15 pounds, ask yourself what smaller, actionable goals can lead to significant wins and help you check items off your list.
Another effective strategy for maintaining consistency in fitness is to monitor daily health metrics. Experts suggest that tracking daily water intake and step counts can help keep you engaged with your fitness goals, even when you’re not at the gym.
Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.
Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
©2026 Cox Media Group
Conclusion
Achieving your fitness resolutions requires more than just good intentions; it takes careful planning, a support system, and a focus on incremental progress. By breaking your goals into manageable steps and staying mindful of your daily habits, you can build the momentum needed to succeed. Remember, fitness is a journey, not a sprint—embrace the process and celebrate every small victory along the way!
