I resolve to exercise more in 2025!!

Brian Sankarsingh writes on what squatting taught him about New Years exercise resolutions

The new year often feels like the perfect time to start fresh. For many, that means deciding to exercise more. It’s a solid goal, and one that can improve your mood, energy, and overall health. But let’s be honest — sticking with it can be hard. The good news is, with the right strategies, you can keep moving forward even when motivation wanes. For context, this year I will be turning 60 and I have been consistently exercising now for about 3 years. I do a mix of hot yoga, functional training for muscle toning and weights. In the past I’ve struggled with sticking to a plan, but over the last three years I’ve happened upon a small change in mindset that has made the absolute difference for me. But before we get to that, here are some other tips that you can use. I hope it goes without saying, but I shall say it anyway - please consult with your doctor before starting any exercise regime.

Start Small, Build Steady

It’s tempting to dive in with ambitious plans, but starting small increases your chances of sticking with exercise. Focus on consistency over intensity. A 15-minute walk or a few stretches each day is better than skipping because you aimed too high too soon. Especially if you’ve haven’t exercised in some time, you need to take your time.

Make It Enjoyable

Find an activity you like. Whether it’s dancing, biking, yoga, or hiking, enjoyment keeps you coming back. If you dread your workouts, you’ll look for excuses to skip them. If you’re doing group classes, get to know the people in your class. Whether we’re introvert or extrovert we crave community - getting to know your workout community helps keep you motivated.

Schedule It Like an Appointment

Treat exercise as a non-negotiable part of your day. Add it to your calendar or set reminders. This simple step can make it harder to brush off.

Have a Backup Plan

Life gets busy, and some days, things won’t go as planned. Keep a backup plan for those days. Maybe it’s a quick workout at home or a brisk walk during lunch. The goal is to avoid skipping altogether.

Find Accountability

You don’t have to do this alone. Remember when I noted that you should get to know your community - this is why. Join a class, partner with a friend, or use a fitness app to track your progress. Sharing your goals can keep you motivated and on track.

Track Your Wins - Small Wins are STILL WINS

Keep an eye on your progress. Whether it’s walking a little farther or lifting slightly more weight, small wins add up. Celebrate those milestones to stay encouraged. And remember small wins are still wins. When I started yoga I could not do malasana. This is the squat pose pictured above. It took me two years to be able to do it.

Expect Setbacks

It’s normal to hit a rough patch. Maybe you miss a week or feel like quitting. Instead of giving up, revisit why you started. Adjust your plan if needed and keep going.

Exercising doesn’t have to be perfect, just consistent. By staying flexible, finding joy in movement, and forgiving yourself for missteps, you can make this resolution stick. This year can be the one where you don’t just start—you keep going.

Now, I can hear you asking - what’s that special tip you were talking about. Well it’s this…at the end of the day only you can keep you motivated. You may find some support through your community or if you have an accountability partner, but rely on that can often be a slippery slope. As with my focusing on small wins while trying to do malasana I realized that I was motivating myself through these small wins. Some people who are much smarter than me call this your personal record and they suggest that this is the way to keep motivated.

As you start your new year, I wish you the best of health.

Bio: BRIAN SANKARSINGH is a Trinidadian-born Canadian immigrant who has published several books of poetry on a wide range of social and historical themes including racism, colonialism, and enslavement. Sankarsingh artfully blends prose and poetry into his storytelling creating an eclectic mix with both genres. This unique approach is sure to provide something for everyone.

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