12 New Year's Exercise Resolutions that are Easy to Keep
The new year is approaching, which means some of us are in resolution-making mode. It's easy to be overly ambitious when setting goals, and this can be the number one reason for losing motivation down the road. Or you can set too many easy goals that make the whole endeavor almost pointless.
According to surveys, most new resolutions focus on improving physical fitness. This is not surprising because the body's condition can affect all other aspects of life. If you're wearing a prosthesis, physical fitness becomes critical since moving, walking or simply living with a prosthesis requires additional energy.
Based on these factors, we put together 12 prosthetic exercise resolutions for you that are easy to attain and sustain throughout 2025. You can pick and choose those that apply to you, or you can take the entire list.
Build on the foundation of regular exercise
When you want to start or strengthen your resolve to lead a healthy lifestyle, understanding your “why” is essential. It’s not enough to recognize the numerous academic studies and articles promoting exercise benefits; it’s also important to understand that you need these health benefits in your life.
Create habits
Recognize where you are physically today. Was your last workout 10 months ago? Initially, go for an easy win by routinely showing up at the gym for the first month. It takes 21 days to build a habit, so aim to go to the gym for the next 21 days, and don't stress about whether you had a fantastic workout. Once exercise becomes a part of your routine, you are less likely to quit.
Write your goals.
There is magic in writing down your 2025 goals compared to just thinking about it. Writing it down makes it more real to you; thus, you are much more likely to achieve those goals.
(Related Reading: 6 Journaling Exercises that Improve Your Well-Being)
Try different types of exercise
When it comes to physical fitness, there is no one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, you have to understand the pros and cons of each exercise method and test out which ones work for you, your current situation, and your fitness goals.
Perhaps you would benefit more from a high-intensity interval training workout than a yoga class. Or maybe you need to incorporate movement into your day-to-day first, like climbing the stairs, raking leaves, and walking around the block. Or perhaps it’s a combination of various types of exercise? Assess your current situation and goal, then decide what works best for you.
Choose an activity you enjoy
One of the reasons most people fall off the fitness wagon is that they don’t enjoy what they’re doing. Walking on a treadmill for cardio might be boring you to tears. Perhaps a high-intensity spin class is better for you? When you find what you like, the chances of you sticking to that activity are better.
But if you have to clock in some time on the treadmill or the elliptical, you can enjoy the activity more by listening to music, podcasts, or audiobooks. Some people even read books while working out!
Measure your progress
We're sure there is an app for that, so check in regularly. Are you a few pounds closer to your desired weight? Is your resting heart rate dropping over time? Can you walk around the block without enormous effort? It’s these little wins that count. The best thing about seeing the benefits of your efforts is that you are more likely to look forward to seeing more.
Small successes have significant benefits
Significant benefits can be packaged in small wins. A great example of this is the Diabetes Prevention Program's findings: modest weight loss—as little as 7% of body weight—could help people prevent or delay the onset of type 2 diabetes, a major cause of numerous health risks.
Decide if you will do better alone or with a partner
The key to success when it comes to sticking to your fitness goals is knowing whether you work better alone or with someone else who can keep you accountable. If possible, find someone who regularly goes to the gym, attends fitness classes, or walks around the neighborhood. Surrounding yourself with motivated and disciplined people is ideal.
Reward yourself
Possible rewards for reaching your goals include getting a massage or enjoying an extra cheat day. Just ensure your chosen reward doesn't disrupt any progress you’ve made.
If you avoid exercise, ask yourself why
It all goes back to your “why.” Do you dread the activity? Is it boring for you? Is the time inconvenient for you? When you find the answers to these questions, consider changing your routine.
Drink lots of water
The benefits of drinking a lot of water are seemingly endless, but one that is almost immediately noticeable is you're less tired.
Don’t let a temporary setback become permanent
Let’s say you miss a workout session or fail to reach your weight goal. Looking at temporary setbacks as a failure is easy. However, it’s important not to give up. Get back on schedule immediately and continue working toward your goals.
Which of these tips do you find most valuable? What other tips can you share for sticking with an exercise regimen? Share it in the comments section below. Happy New Year!
