It’s March 9th and just like that, 18.3% of 2025 is already gone. To recap, we set New Years resolutions, the groundhog came, we celebrated Valentines Day and we’re just one week away from pretending we're all Irish for St. Patrick’s day.
A wise man once said, “Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.”
If you're like a majority of people, you set some goals for this year. And today, you’re in one of two categories: You're on your way to accomplishing them like a boss, or you're patiently waiting until January 1, 2026, so you can try again.
Even if you're the latter, isn't it better late than never?
There's no one (but you) stopping you from calling a do-over and making it happen this time. First, because you're worth it. Seriously, if no one has told you yet today, you matter. And second, because there's no "correct" time to start working on a new goal.
Start on March 9th, or 3pm on a Thursday. Just start.
Five Tips to Make Resolutions Stick this Time.
So how can you make the most of this do-over? Here are five tips to get you (re)started:
1. Stop Setting Unrealistic Goals.
Whether you're new to fitness or you've fallen off the wagon a bit, the first step is setting realistic goals. (Note: If your last workout buddy was Billy Blanks as you kicked and punched your way through TaeBo, it’s time to admit that you’ve fallen off the wagon. And that's okay. Time to get back on.)
If it's been a while, one of the most important things to remember is that you may have lost some strength or fitness along the way. So at this point, you have two choices: Be bitter or get better. Be smart about setting training goals, don't be afraid to ask for help, and don't try lifting what you did the last time you were in the gym. You'll get there. But you might wreck yourself if you try to get there all in one day.
The key to setting realistic goals for the long run is to make them achievable for your lifestyle. For example, if your schedule is non-stop from 8am until 8pm, you'll likely need to work out early in the morning. If you set a goal of "hopefully" getting it in after work, you're not giving yourself the best chance to be successful.
Further, choosing a workout you enjoy is an important part of setting achievable goals. If your plan is three workouts a week on the treadmill but you absolutely loathe the treadmill, how do you think that's going to go?
Need help? Talk to someone at the gym about how to get started the right way. Ask about beginner programs. Try a free class so you can experience the culture and make sure it's what you're looking for. And remember, even if you’re moving slowly, you’re still lapping everyone on the couch.
2. Lift Heavy Shhhtuff.
Whether you're a woman or a man, age 18 or 72, new to fitness or been at it for years, one thing rings true: Strength training is the way. Cardio and mobility make for a well-rounded fitness plan, but start building it around strength training and watch the magic happen.
There's a metric crap-ton of benefits to lifting weights. Studies show that consistency in a strength-training routine can lead to improvements in muscle strength, bone density, metabolic health and functional abilities. Beyond just the physical benefits, strength training has been shown to improve mental health, and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety. Studies also show that it can even enhance cognitive functions, contributing to overall brain health.
Plus, the long-term benefits shouldn't be overlooked. Strength training has also been linked to a 10–17% lower risk of all-cause mortality, cardiovascular disease, total cancer, diabetes and lung cancer.
3. Find a Workout Buddy.
There's a funny quote out there from motivational speaker and fitness celebrity Chalene Johnson, who said, “If your friends don’t like to work out, find new friends.”
It’s pretty simple: Life is better when you’re surrounded by people who care about you, support you, hold you accountable and encourage you along the way. Your workouts are no different. The “power of people” can be an absolute game-changer for your health and fitness goals.
People ask all the time why Legacy Athletics is different than your typical "big box" gym. The answer is, it's truly all about the community. Not only do you have a team of coaches to make sure you're moving safely and motivate you, you'll be surrounded by people just like you, who want to be a better version of themselves. Members support and encourage one another, and hold each other accountable.
A treadmill might get you short-term results. But a community provides long-lasting connections and (probably) much better results.
4. Nutrition is a Big Deal.
Unfortunately, we live in a society that places a ridiculous amount of focus on food. We've normalized stress eating, celebration eating and overeating. Plus, in nearly every office setting in America, it's donut day because of fill-in-the-blank reason. Or Susan's daughter's babysitter's friend got promoted so hey, let's have cake!
The struggle is real.
The fact is, you will sabotage any workout plan with a poor diet. No, your nutrition doesn’t have to be perfect, but your body needs the correct fuel to perform well. The good news is that there's good news: The whole thing is cyclical. Working out makes your body crave proper nutrients and whole foods. Eating those healthy foods makes you crave more healthy food. And the right fuel makes your body perform better in the gym. It's science. And being in that cycle is a pretty incredible feeling.
5. You Do YOU.
People will give you all kinds of advice for success, but most of the time, that advice is based on what works for them.
For instance, the first tip listed above is about setting achievable goals for you. If you know that you’re an “all or nothing” person and you set a goal of working out six times per week (even if it’s 15 minutes per day), don’t let someone tell you to start with three workouts. On the other hand, if someone suggests an initial plan of three workouts per week, and you know you can reasonably commit to two and feel successful, that’s where you start.
Or let's say you plan to start on a Monday, but you know that taking a rest day on Tuesday will affect your motivation for Wednesday, plan accordingly and do what will work for you. This is all about knowing thyself. All you can do is the best you can do, and you’re the only one who can make your plan succeed.
In Summary: There's No Shame in Calling a Do-Over.
If you started a fitness plan and didn't succeed the first time, it doesn't do any good to shame yourself or dwell on the misstep. Figure out what went sideways so you can avoid that path again, and move forward.
Call a do-over on your goals and just start. Make the next few months “the season of YOU”; a time for new beginnings and a better future. You are not your past mistakes and you deserve the version of you that's waiting on the other side of your restart.
