05/01/2026
So it's that time of year when we are looking to build a sparkly new health and fitness regime into our busy lives.
But before we do, stop and think. What are the factors that are going to make this regime not something that fades into a 2026 memory after an enthusiastic start, but something that z BECOMES PART OF YOUR LIFE, 2027 and beyond!
Forming such habits can be hard and it can be overwhelming to know where to begin, particularly with the rise of dodgy AI advice spewed on media.
Here are some key steps to help you develop fitness habits that stick for the long term.
1. PLAN
What are your motivations? What do you enjoy? Who can help you in your fitness journey? What derailers can you foresee and how will you work around them.
2. START SMALL AND ACHIEVABLE
How do you eat an elephant? One note at a time! If a mountain is huge that first step can be overwhelming. Plus going in all guns ablazing means you have a higher chance of burning out or injury.
Starting with smaller, achievable goals gives you the chance to build confidence and see progress without feeling overwhelmed. For example, if you’re new to exercise, try committing to 2 or 3 short workouts each week rather than pushing yourself to exercise every day.
2 Find Activities You Enjoy
Fitness can be FUN! I've built a business around it.
You don't have to be miserable busting a sweat on a gym to achieve your goals. Dance, box, run, skip, take the weights outside!
When exercise feels like a reward rather than a chore, you’re more likely to stick with it.
3. CONSISTENCY IS KEY for long term fitness!
Now you've found your activity and Set your goal stick to it. But if you miss a session or two it's not the end, GO BACK and stay again! So again, if you can't see yourself keeping up your new regime in 6 months, a year, 2 years, don't do it! Find one that will become part of your life and keep you feeling great long term.
4. PLAN your diary and stick to it!
Treat your fitness time like any other important appointment in your life. Block off time in your calendar for your workouts, whether it’s early in the morning, during lunch, or after work. A regular schedule reinforces the habit, making exercise a natural part of your weekly routine.
5. Track Your Progress and celebrate the wins!
Here at Sara Fliess Fitness we are very excellent at celebrating: birthdays, end of term, the sun is up, you name it! But celebrating your Wins is a fab way to stay motivated.
Tracking your progress can keep you motivated by showing how far you’ve come. Celebrate small victories, like completing a workout you found challenging or noticing improvements in your stamina.
Maybe a massage, new pair of runners or simply some time out, a reward for reaching a goal is a great motivator and reminder for how far you have come.
6. Find your tribe
Work out with a buddy or group can be a game-changer. Whether you join a fitness class, run with a friend, or join a local sports club, having others to exercise with can make the experience more enjoyable and help you stay accountable. The social aspect can make fitness something you look forward to rather than a solo task to check off. Again it helps fitness become FUN and enjoyable!
7. Take rest days and build in flexibility.
Don't burn out or get injured. If your body truly needs a rest then take it. Also sometimes life gets in the way. Remember consistency is key, not missing a single session. But if you are missing more than the odd one you may want to look at your program and motivation.
8. Seek Guidance When You Need It
If you aren't sure where to start, or have ongoing injuries, need extra motivation or want to achieve a specific goal maybe look at hiring somebody to help you achieve this.
Please feel free to PM me for advice and good luck in making 2026 your fittest year yet!
www.sarafliessfitness.com.au