Make This Month Your Most Balanced One Yet: A Gentle Reset for Your Fitness Routine
December has just begun, and for many people this month already feels full before it even starts. Festive plans, buying presents, rich food, travel, social events, work deadlines — everything stacks up quickly. And somewhere in the middle of all that, a familiar thought appears:
“It’s okay… I’ll start, or get back to my routine, in the new year.”
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. I’ve fallen into that December–January loop myself more times than I can count. December naturally pulls routines apart, and in my previous blog I talked about how to stay active this month without pressure or guilt.
But there’s something people often forget:
How we move through December quietly shapes how we enter the new year.
Not because you need to “be good” or push yourself — far from it. But because this is often the moment where an unhelpful cycle begins:
December → “I’ll sort it out in January.”
January → new resolutions, big expectations.
February → motivation fades.
March → everything stops.
Next December → repeat.
With this post I will give you some tips that will help break that loop — gently, realistically, and in a way that respects your life exactly as it is right now. You don’t need a hardcore new resolution plan. You simply need something simple, sustainable, and right for your energy and lifestyle.
Here’s how to start shaping your ideas for the new resolution — in a way that actually supports you. And even though we’re talking about December and the new year, these ideas aren’t limited to the season. You can use this guidance any time in life when you want to begin again, or begin for the very first time.
Start With Honesty (Not Intensity)
We often think new routines must be big, exciting, and intense — especially when thinking about resolutions. But true progress starts with honesty, not extreme effort.
Instead of deciding:
“I’ll train five days a week.”
“I’ll run every morning.”
“No excuses this year.”
Ask yourself:
What can I do even on my busiest weeks?
What feels realistic, not idealised?
What is the smallest commitment I can show up for consistently?
For most beginners (or people returning after a break), 2–3 sessions a week is not only enough — it’s perfect.
Choose a Plan — Not Random Workouts
Random YouTube videos or occasional gym sessions feel productive at first… until they don’t.
People thrive with:
Structure
Progression
Clarity
Repetition
Small, steady wins
That’s what builds confidence — and momentum.
A plan doesn’t need to be complicated. It just needs to be consistent.
Expect Motivation to Shift — And Prepare For It
January motivation is a powerful force. But it rarely lasts.
Instead of relying on motivation, rely on:
a simple weekly schedule
sessions that don’t require huge willpower
an understanding that dips are normal, not failure
Once you feel your strength improving, or experience your first easier walk or run, motivation naturally grows again.
Track Your Motivation — And Adjust Gently
Even with the best intentions, some days your energy and motivation will be lower than others. That’s completely normal.
A simple way to handle it is to notice how motivated you feel each day — for example, on a 1–5 scale, where 1 is “I really don’t want to do anything” and 5 is “I feel full of energy and ready to train.”
Then, adjust your session accordingly:
High motivation (4–5): Follow your planned session.
Medium motivation (2–3): Shorten the session, reduce intensity, or pick the exercises you enjoy most.
Low motivation (1): You don’t need to skip entirely — even 5–10 minutes of light movement counts. A short walk, some stretches, or a playful activity works.
The goal isn’t perfection. The goal is to show up.
Each small effort builds consistency and confidence — which is far more powerful than waiting to feel “ready” or “motivated enough.”
Focus on How You Want to Feel
Instead of creating a list of resolutions like “go to the gym every day,” try shifting the focus.
You might choose:
“I want to feel less stiff when I wake up.”
“I want to feel stronger and more capable.”
“I want to be proud of showing up for myself.”
“I want a routine I can actually maintain.”
These goals keep you grounded in your real life, not an idealised version of it.
Start Gently — But Start
If you’re beginning for the first time, or returning after a long pause, a sustainable weekly routine might look like:
One or two short strength sessions (20–30 minutes)
One walk or easy run
Optional gentle mobility
You don’t need to overhaul your life. You just need to create a rhythm you can sustain.
Small steps — repeated — always win.
A 12-Week Programme Can Be a Meaningful Reset (A Gift For You or Someone You Know)
If you’re thinking of starting and want support, 1:1 Personal Training is tailored to your personal goals, whether that’s building strength, improving fitness, or developing a consistent running routine.
It’s ideal for people who:
✔ are complete beginners
✔ have tried before and want a fresh start
✔ want structure without feeling overwhelmed
✔ prefer clarity and guidance that fits their life
You can begin yourself, or gift it to someone who’s ready to start but unsure how.
Ready to start? Let’s Talk — Free Consultation, no obligation to sign up
You can choose whatever format feels best:
a relaxed video call, or
a written email consultation if you’re shy or prefer to think things through in your own time.
You bring your goal. I bring the plan.
No pressure — just clarity.
If you want to make this month your most balanced one yet, and set yourself up for a gentle, confident start to the new year (or any time in life), I’m here to support you every step of the way.
Ciao.
