As the year draws to a close, it’s natural to start thinking about fresh starts and new goals. But when it comes to fitness, waiting until January, or setting unrealistic New Year’s resolutions, often leads to frustration rather than results.
At Absolute Body Solutions (ABS), we see it every year. The clients who succeed aren’t the ones chasing extreme goals, but those who take time to set clear, realistic ones before the New Year begins. Here’s how to do exactly that.
1. Focus on Progress, Not Perfection
One of the biggest mistakes people make with fitness goals is aiming for perfection. Life doesn’t slow down in January, work, stress, and commitments continue.
Instead of planning to train every day or overhaul everything at once, focus on progress:
- Training consistently 2–3 times per week
- Improving strength, energy and confidence
- Building habits that fit around your routine
Small, sustainable changes always outperform short-term extremes.
2. Be Honest About Your Lifestyle
Setting realistic goals starts with honesty. Ask yourself:
- How much time can I genuinely commit each week?
- How is my sleep, stress and recovery?
- Am I new to training or returning after time off?
Your goals should support your life, not fight against it. At ABS, we build programmes around what’s realistic for you, not what looks good on paper.
3. Think in 6–12 Week Blocks
Rather than setting vague yearly goals like “get fit” or “lose weight”, break your goals into manageable time frames.
A 6–12 week focus might include:
- Losing a small, sustainable amount of body fat
- Improving strength in key lifts
- Moving pain-free and feeling more confident in the gym
This keeps motivation high and makes progress measurable.
4. Make Your Goals Behaviour-Based
Instead of outcome-only goals, focus on behaviours you can control:
- “Train twice per week every week”
- “Prepare meals during the week”
- “Walk more and stay active daily”
When behaviours are consistent, results follow naturally, without the pressure.
5. Start Before January
Putting things off until the New Year often creates unnecessary pressure. Starting in December gives you momentum and confidence going into January, not guilt or frustration.
Even light training, mobility sessions, or maintaining routine during the festive period puts you ahead of the curve.
The strongest January results usually come from those who never fully stopped.
6. Get Support Early
Having guidance early, whether that’s a personal trainer, coach or clear plan, removes guesswork. It helps you avoid common mistakes and ensures your goals are realistic from day one.
At Absolute Body Solutions, we help clients define clear goals and create achievable plans built around consistency, structure and accountability, especially through the winter months.
The Bottom Line
Realistic fitness goals aren’t about doing more, they’re about doing what you can sustain.
By setting clear, achievable goals before the New Year, you reduce pressure, build momentum, and create habits that actually last.
If you’d like help setting your goals and creating a plan that works for you, our team at Absolute Body Solutions is here to guide you.
Book a free consultation today and start the New Year feeling confident, not overwhelmed.
FAQs
When is the best time to set fitness goals?
The best time to set fitness goals is before the New Year, not in January. Setting goals earlier allows you to avoid rushed resolutions and start with a clear, realistic plan that fits your lifestyle.
Should I start training before January?
Yes. Starting before January helps build momentum and confidence, making it easier to stay consistent when the New Year begins. Even light or reduced training in December puts you ahead.
How many fitness goals should I set?
It’s best to focus on one or two realistic, achievable goals at a time. Too many goals can feel overwhelming and often lead to inconsistency or burnout.
What makes a fitness goal realistic?
A realistic fitness goal is:
- Specific and measurable
- Achievable around your work and lifestyle
- Supported by manageable habits (training, nutrition, recovery)
- Focused on consistency rather than perfection
How long should I give myself to see results?
Most people start seeing noticeable results within 6–12 weeks, depending on training frequency, consistency, nutrition and recovery. Short-term targets help keep motivation high and goals achievable.
Is it realistic to lose weight over the festive period?
Yes, but the focus should be on maintaining consistency rather than extreme weight loss. Staying active and mindful over Christmas often leads to better long-term results than restrictive dieting.
Do I need a personal trainer to reach my fitness goals?
You don’t have to, but working with a personal trainer can significantly improve results. A trainer provides structure, accountability and a clear plan, which is especially valuable during winter and the busy New Year period.
How often should I train to reach my goals?
For most people, 2–3 training sessions per week is enough to make steady progress when combined with good nutrition and recovery.
