For many, the dawn of a new year means a new set of resolutions, but not everyone can maintain the motivation to stick with their plans.
If you work out regularly, you might notice gyms around Winnipeg a little more crowded this week.
“January is just that, new goals, new me, fresh ideas and motivations and so January is typically very busy,” said personal trainer Chelsea Kroeker.
When it comes to New Year's resolutions, personal health often tops the list.
"Last year, I was going to the gym and maybe not so consistent, but I want to be more consistent this year," said Tony Akinseye.
Last year, David Navratil pledged to hit the gym more, and one year later, he's still doing it. His advice, get an early start.
"I started in December so I think that made it a little bit easier rather than waiting until January 1,” he said.
Fitness experts say one of the keys to maintaining the motivation year-round is making sure you set attainable goals.
"You want to be realistic and make it something that you really can accomplish,” said Kroeker. “Once you hit that goal, then there's another goal. So you're kind of continuing with these mini-goals throughout the year, so that you always have something to work towards."
Life coach Dina Juras says the same principle applies to all kinds of self-improvement, not just fitness.
"The clients that are successful, they break it down. They think big, but they start small, and every day they ask, ‘What decision did I make today to take me closer to the kind of person I want to be?’"
Juras says, if you slip up on your goal, keep at it and try not to get discouraged, because that could permanently de-rail your plans.
"If we don't succeed, we feel shameful, because we're not perfect, and so then we just close down,"
Just because the New Year has already begun, that doesn't mean it's too late to get started, said Kroeker.
"There's always room for more, there's always opportunity to progress," she said.
- With a report by Ben Miljure
