By: Nick Niedzwiecki
As the holidays approach, many people push their health goals aside and vow to make a fresh start in January. Gyms are packed at the beginning of the year, but evidence shows that most New Year’s resolutions don’t last; nearly 80 percent of resolutions fail by mid-February. When we tie our goals to special dates, we often procrastinate, a phenomenon psychologists call the “fresh start” fallacy. Waiting until January also means entering the new year feeling sluggish and heavier – the average person gains 1–2 pounds over the holidays. By starting now, you can avoid that extra weight and be months into a healthy routine before the calendar turns.
Build Habits Before the Rush
Habits form through repetition, and research cited in the European Journal of Social Psychology suggests it takes about 66 days to establish a new habit. If you begin exercising today, you’ll have two months of consistency banked before January arrives. Starting early also gives you time to build willpower gradually. The American Psychological Association notes that willpower functions like a muscle – it can be strengthened over time but becomes depleted when overexerted. Small, manageable workouts in October or November build resilience, making it easier to tackle tougher sessions later. Holiday schedules are busy, but that doesn’t mean you can’t exercise; high-intensity interval training (HIIT) sessions lasting just 20 minutes performed three times per week can significantly improve fitness. This efficiency leaves plenty of time for family gatherings and festive activities.
Benefits of Starting Now
Beginning a fitness plan before the holidays yields tangible benefits. You’ll have fewer pounds to lose later and will likely make better choices at parties and dinners. Avoiding holiday weight gain helps you enter the new year ahead of the curve. Working out also reduces stress and boosts mood, making it easier to handle holiday obligations. Momentum matters; instead of feeling guilty about indulgences, you’ll feel energized and confident as you see progress. Research cited in Psychological Science shows that linking goals to arbitrary dates increases the likelihood of delay, while getting started now creates an immediate sense of accomplishment. By the time January comes, exercise will already be part of your routine, so you won’t face the daunting “day one” that causes so many resolutions to fizzle.
Why Choose CrossFit and ROAR Fitness
Choose CrossFit and ROAR FitnessCrossFit’s scalability means exercises and weights can be modified to match individual abilities, making it accessible to all fitness levels. Group training fosters camaraderie and accountability; being part of a community encourages consistency, helps build friendships, and makes training more enjoyable. The varied movements also improve balance, coordination and agility, reducing the risk of injuries in everyday life. In short, CrossFit offers comprehensive benefits that extend beyond the gym, helping you feel stronger, more capable, and ready for life’s demands.
Your Fitness Journey Starts at CrossFit Athens and ROAR Fitness
If you live near Decatur or Athens, Alabama, CrossFit Athens and ROAR Fitness provide the perfect environment to begin your journey. ROAR Fitness at CrossFit Athens is described as a dynamic program designed to unleash the inner strength and drive in every participant. Tailored for all fitness levels, it combines intense workouts, personalized guidance, and community support to help you achieve your goals. Every workout is a step toward a fitter, more energetic version of yourself, and the supportive community helps motivate and uplift you. The program encourages you to embrace the challenge, push your limits, and “roar” toward a healthier, stronger you.
CrossFit Athens offers classes and programs that include CrossFit, ROAR Fitness, and nutrition coaching. The gym is conveniently located on 15487 Hastings Road just north of Highway 72 in Athens, making it easily accessible. Joining CrossFit Athens means you’ll receive personalized attention, challenging workouts, and a transformative fitness journey. It’s more than a gym; it’s a community that will celebrate your successes and support you through challenges. Ready to take action? Sign up for a free trial and experience the empowering spirit of ROAR Fitness and CrossFit Athens.
Make the Next Three Months Count
Waiting until January often leads to disappointment and missed opportunities. Starting your fitness journey now allows you to build habits, prevent weight gain, manage stress, and enjoy the holidays without guilt. CrossFit Athens and ROAR Fitness provide the structure, guidance, and community you need to succeed. Imagine how much progress you can make over the next three months – increased strength, improved endurance, healthier eating habits, and renewed confidence. Don’t let another year begin with a broken resolution. Invest in yourself today, embrace the challenge, and let CrossFit Athens and ROAR Fitness Athens lead you to success!
By: Nick Niedzwiecki – Owner, CrossFit Athens
