New Year, New You. We hear that a lot this time of year, don’t we? January is the time when resolutions are made, intentions are spoken, and goals are embarked upon. If getting fit, losing weight, or simply becoming more active is one of your goals for the new year, we have some inspiration that may help you stay motivated. Here’s to 2025 and here’s to becoming the healthy person you want to be!
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Adopt the Identity
Last year we read, like so many others, Atomic Habits by James Clear. While building on new habits and releasing old ones has a definite pattern of achievement, there was one very specific thing that stood out to us. That is the idea of accepting or adopting the identity of the person you want to become. If becoming the fit person you want to be is part of your 2025, then you need to hear this:
True behavior change is identity change. You might start a habit because of motivation, but the only reason you’ll stick with one is that it becomes part of your identity. Anyone can convince themselves to visit the gym or eat healthy once or twice, but if you don’t shift the belief behind the behavior, then it is hard to stick with long-term changes. Improvements are only temporary until they become part of who you are. The goal is not to read a book, the goal is to become a reader. The goal is not to run a marathon, the goal is to become a runner. The goal is not to learn an instrument, the goal is to become a musician.
Atomic Habits, pg 34
Research has shown that once a person believes in a particular aspect of their identity, they are more likely to act in alignment with that belief. For example, people who identified as “being a voter” were more likely to vote than those who simply claimed “voting” was an action they wanted to perform. Similarly, the person who incorporates exercise into their identity doesn’t have to convince themselves to train. Doing the right thing is easy. After all, when your behavior and your identity are fully aligned, you are no longer pursuing behavior change. You are simply acting like the type of person you already believe yourself to be.
Accept the Opportunity
One of the benefits of moving for us has been the amenity of having a state of the art gym on our property. During the summer months, you will often (let’s be honest, almost always) find us at the pool. But during the cooler months, when we can’t get in a few laps, or walk at the park, we spend a lot of time in the gym. It has been such a HUGE convenience to us, and given that the equipment automatically tracks with our Apple Watches, keeping up with workouts has been a breeze! We are so fortunate to have this opportunity, and it is one we are going to miss when it’s time to embark on our next move.
Make the Resolution
If becoming more active, upping your fitness goals, or simply getting in more movement is part of your new year’s goals, then you don’t want to miss this. Making a resolution, setting a goal, or creating an intention takes an active participation on your part. There are a few steps you need to take in order to see this resolution through to success!
Accept No Excuses
There is a phrase I heard a couple of years ago that changed the way I think about so many things. But to be honest, the one area I apply it to most is the area of exercise. The phrase is, “Any excuse will do.” It’s time to workout, go for a walk, hit the gym, go to cycling class, do a quick pilates routine, lift some weights, or hit the rebounder. That’s when the excuses start flowing. “I’m really tired today”, “It’s really cold outside”, “It’s raining”, “It’s too hot”, “I need to finish this task” or my personal favorite, “I’ll do it in a few minutes.”
The point is, a few minutes never comes, the task is never quite finished, we’re always going to be tired, it’s going to be cold, or hot, or raining. And so when we allow it, really, any excuse will do. If you want to become the healthier person you want to be, you can accept no excuses! Do the best you can do, but do something!
Dress the Part
For the Ladies
I find that working out comes more easily when I’m dressed as comfortably as possible. That is why I have been on the hunt for stylish workout attire that is comfortable, affordable, and easy to care for. Here are a few of the favorites I’ve found as I strive to dress like the healthier person I want to be.
These three items have been indispensable in my 2025 workouts. I’ve had other products, some of higher name brands, and these surpass them with leaps and bounds. I cannot say enough good things about these leggings, sports top, and running shoes.
For the Gentlemen
Men’s activewear is so much simpler than ladies activewear! However, there are still a few products that rank with us a little higher than your standard options. These are a few my husband loves and they are in constant rotation between the gym and the laundry hamper!
These pants and shirt are soft and comfortable with enough stretch to make them manageable for even the toughest workouts. The Under Armour shoes are on his top ten list of all the athletic shoes he’s owned. They are supportive, cushioning, and have held up under very rigorous activity!
Alleviate the Pain
With any new activity often comes a few aches and pains. If you experience minor aches and pains associated with becoming the healthier person you want to be, then the next couple of items are going to be game changers for you. If you experience muscle fatigue more easily than you used to, having the right tools on hand will help keep you active and help you during your recovery times.
This magnesium lotion and cold massage roller ball are two items we cannot live without. The massage ball is designed to alleviate muscle soreness and accelerate recovery. By combining cold therapy with rolling massage, they effectively reduce muscle fatigue and tension, improve blood circulation. The manual massage ball offers a prolonged cooling effect, and you can use them for an extended period to alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and quickly soothe your muscles after workouts or daily activities.
Magnesium lotion is known for muscle recovery and relaxation effects. Magnesium lotion can help your muscles relax after contracting, which supports pain relief. This lotion has been amazing to have in our arsenal for muscle aches, fatigue, and even restless leg syndrome.
Track Your Progress
One of the best purchases we made in 2024 was the Hume Body Pod. With the Body Pod, you can easily understand, how your body reacts to food, sleep, stress and other factors so you can start making informed health choices. The Body Pod uses 8 frequency sensors to deliver precise weight, full body composition and heart health to advance your weight and health management journey. The advanced sensors embedded in the handle are able to scan your torso, arms, and legs and even heart at an accuracy of 98%!
Within the first week, I was able to track fat loss, muscle gain, water weight, and even bone density. Seeing the science backed health percentages was far more motivating than a number on a scale ever was.
If you’re wanting to get in shape this year, lose weight, gain muscle, or simple increase mobility and bone density, I highly recommend the Hume Body Pod. The cost is HSA / FSA eligible.
We have a $20 discount coupon to offer you as a Forward Our Mail reader. Why not start seeing the progress you’ve always wanted. It couldn’t be easier!
What are your fitness goals for the year?
Having fitness goals is not age dependent. You can be a college student seeking more energy, someone in the prime of your life looking to increase longevity, or someone in retirement wanting to increase mobility and ward off injury. No matter where you are in your journey, you can start today and become the healthier person you want to be!
Disclaimer: Before beginning any workout routine, please check with your physician.
