Keeping New Year’s fitness resolutions through January and beyond

Thumb Health & Fitness general manager and head coach Bethany Gornowicz works one-on-one with a client during a training session. Photos provided

As January comes to a close, many people are reassessing their New Year’s resolutions – whether they are still going strong, struggling to stay consistent or wondering if it’s already too late to start.

According to Taylor Hutchinson, owner of Thumb Health & Fitness in Sandusky, one of the most common mistakes people make is trying to change everything at once.

“They go from zero to 100 — change eating habits, try to work out every day — and it can be overwhelming.” said Hutchinson.

When routines are disrupted by holidays, vacations or missed workouts, many people become discouraged and quit altogether.

“A lot of times it comes down to doing too much too fast and expecting a result that takes time,” said Hutchinson .

Instead of aiming for perfection, people should focus on building habits they can maintain long term.

“The hardest part is just to show up,” Hutchinson said. “You don’t have to be perfect 100% of the time. Even if you can eat healthy and work out 70% of the time, you’re going to be healthy and in good shape.”

Thumb Health & Fitness owner and personal trainer Taylor Hutchinson walks class participants through the workout plan during a group fitness session.

That mindset can help people push through setbacks without giving up entirely.

“If you fail on the weekend, that’s ok,” said Hutchinson. “Just get back on track Monday or Tuesday and keep plugging away. 70% for the whole year is better than 100% for the first month.”

For those short on time, workouts don’t need to be long to be effective. A short walk or jog, bodyweight circuits at home or brief high-intensity interval training sessions can still make an impact.

“Choosing four or five exercises and doing a few reps, even for just 10 minutes, helps,” he said.

Hutchinson also emphasized the role of accountability and support in staying motivated. Having a plan, tracking progress and surrounding yourself with support can make a significant difference.

“The best way to stay motivated is to find a support system,” Hutchinson said. “That could be a friend, family member, a coach, or joining a gym or class.”

At Thumb Health & Fitness, that support often comes in different forms depending on a person’s experience level and schedule. The gym offers beginner packages that include instruction on how to properly use equipment and a four-week workout plan with three structured workouts per week. The gym also offers group training and personal training, which Hutchinson emphasized are among the most successful programs.

Group training includes about 25 classes per week, with options as early as 5 a.m. and as late as 7 p.m. on weekdays, as well as some Saturday morning classes. Workouts can be scaled to different fitness levels, and participants are encouraged to commit to two or three classes per week. If members miss classes, staff follow up to check in, Hutchinson said.

Progress is also tracked through periodic body scans that measure muscle mass and body fat percentage, allowing members to set goals and see improvements over time. Nutrition coaching is also available and includes the use of a mobile app where workouts and nutrition habits are logged and shared between clients and trainers for accountability.

For those unsure where to begin, Hutchinson said reaching out to someone with experience – whether a coach, trainer or gym – can make the process less intimidating.

“We like to say the heaviest weight you’ll lift is coming through the front door.” Hutchinson added that it’s never too late to focus on health and fitness. He said the gym works with clients of all ages, including some in their 80s and 90s. “Our oldest client is 96 years old and trains twice a week,” he said.

For anyone who feels like January has already slipped away, Hutchinson said the message is simple: don’t wait for the perfect moment. “If you wait for the perfect time, it will never come,” he said. “Find the help you need and dive in, no matter what level you’re at.”