Introduction

It’s an age-old saying, although I actually have no idea where it came from! And, full disclaimer—I didn’t actually bother to research any further!

We’ve all been there, right? January first rolls around, quicker than we hoped; a bit disappointed that last year wasn’t as healthy as it should have been. But, that’s okay; we are all busy—working, living, raising kids, caring for others—full of time commitments, etc.

Why Resolutions Fail

New year, new me—right? Wrong! It rarely works. Why? Because we always retry the same approach:

  • Quit beer
  • Go to the gym 6 days a week
  • Eat cleanly

The definition of madness is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting a different result. You are trying to change too much at once and are setting yourself up for another failed New Year’s resolution!

Eye-Opening Training

A New Approach

Early this year, we engaged in a weight-lifting training course that I found eye-opening. The instructor didn’t urge hours in the gym or berate us for not demanding more prolonged attendance from our clients. Instead, he suggested a bare-minimum-for-progress approach—an approach that has revolutionized my own personal training.

The Pitfall of Perfection

I am a stickler for commitment. If I decide that I want to do 3 x 60-minute sessions per week, that’s exactly what I’ll do. BUT if, for some reason, I can’t afford the full 60 minutes, I won’t do it. I’ll skip the session simply because I have less than an hour.

Stupid, right? Yes! Anything is better than nothing. But somehow, I convince myself that I don’t have time—because the expectation was set too high.

The Bare-Minimum Program

Small Efforts, Big Gains

The bare-minimum program is the concept of performing as little as possible but still yielding a positive, planned result.

Key to Success: Intensity

Intensity is the key—not duration. If you can exercise at high intensity (relative to you)—whether that be weights, cycling, running, or swimming—even for a short duration, you will improve.

Consult the Experts

Consult your Exercise Physiologist for advice regarding what high intensity means for you and your goals.

Set Yourself Up for Success in 2025

In 2025, try something different—set the bar low and achieve your goals rather than repeating the same annual mistake of setting the bar too high and failing.

Good luck!