This week is often referred to as “Quitter’s Week”. It is the period when you are most likely to abandon your New Year fitness aspirations.
“Quitter’s Week” is closely linked to “Blue Monday.” According to folklore, the third Monday of January (which occurs on January 20th this year) is the most depressing day of the year in the Northern Hemisphere. Factors such as weather, debt levels, the time elapsed since Christmas, diminished motivation, and more all contribute.
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Strava investigated user data a few years ago and found that this date coincides with when people are most prone to forsake their New Year’s health commitments. They analyzed over 800 million global activities, amounting to nearly 8 billion miles. The date they identified aligns almost perfectly with Blue Monday.
It’s essential to acknowledge that “Quitter’s Week” is not a strict guideline, and everyone’s journey is different. Some individuals may start to lose drive before or after the third Monday in January. Previous studies have indicated that 80% of us will not make it past mid-February before reverting to old, unhealthy routines. Only 10% will ultimately prevail.
Additionally, keep in mind that “Quitter’s Week” jeopardizes more than just physical fitness ambitions. Numerous individuals also set goals related to finances, relationships, and career growth, which might also slip away during this time.
To add to the confusion, there’s another term called Quitter’s Day, which occurs on the second Friday in January, landing on January 10th this year.
Our conclusion
It’s evident that most of us will struggle to uphold our 2025 resolutions. However, there are strategies you can employ to enhance your likelihood of success. Ideas to evade the “Ah, forget it!” mindset that leads to cancelled or left unused gym memberships.
To start, if you have committed to walking more and shedding pounds this year, an activity tracker can serve as an excellent source of motivation. With more options available than ever, and prices declining swiftly, it’s challenging to determine whether you’re progressing without some form of measurable feedback.
Wearables have consistently ranked highly in the health and fitness trends over recent years. One notable study, from the ACSM’s Health & Fitness Journal, surveyed over 4,500 health and fitness experts to reach that conclusion. Other items high on this list include strength training using free weights, bodyweight training, and fitness programs aimed at older adults.
Group exercise classes have also gained popularity. Some individuals might prefer working out with a companion or in a group instead of exercising alone. When athletes engage in group activities, they often push themselves further and enjoy longer workouts. Alternatively, you might opt for an online program, such as Apple’s fitness service. Maintaining connections through platforms like Strava also fosters motivation.
Regardless of challenges and hectic lives, many of us find ways to stay physically active. The more diversified your exercise routine, the better. Discover tactics to make your workouts more enjoyable.
Above all, establish attainable goals. Instead of blindly chasing aspirations, it is crucial to heed your body, consult your doctor, and exercise common sense. Your situation may evolve throughout the year, so adjusting your fitness objectives is far wiser than giving up! Remember, you can always start afresh, and every day presents a new opportunity to inch closer to your aspirations.
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