The introduction of a new year often comes with fresh goals. Thereâs an unspoken pressure to change your life while taking up new hobbies, with one of those usually being exercise.Â
Iâve been making an effort to run on the treadmill since November, and yes, Iâm continuing this habit in 2026. However, I want to clarify that my choice is not a New Yearâs resolution. Itâs something I randomly chose to start doing, and now Iâm choosing to stick with it.
Although setting resolutions for exercise can be helpful, I believe meaningful change happens at your own pace. Here are a few reasons why.
Fitness Expectations
There are countless fitness âdos and dontâs.â Many people believe their exercise routines are superior to others. However, exercise is unique to the individual! For me, running is simply a way to have fun and release endorphins. I am not forcing myself to stick to a certain schedule or achieve a certain body weight. After all, there is no urgency. Although Iâd like to run a 5K, the main goal is simple: to run for as long as I can.
Alone Time
Besides listening to my favourite beats while running, exercise allows me a safe space to think and process whatâs been going on in my life. I listen to how my body is feeling and adapt my speed to match it. I am trying to understand how Iâm feeling on a deeper level, without focusing on reinventing or fixing myself. Whether youâre weightlifting, stretching, or doing cardio, I believe that exercise should make you feel proud and powerful.
Private Progress
I donât want to feel that my worth is only measured by the number of likes I get on social media. Therefore, my running journey is mostly private. I donât need to share my exercise routine online as a resolution because my achievements are personal. Although this may sound ironic, it’s not a race. Running is for my own personal benefit; Iâm doing my best, no matter how long it takes for me to reach my goals!
Improving Focus
Itâs well-known that exercise is beneficial for mental and physical health. Running helps me take that well-needed break or reset from schoolwork. This way, when I return to a world of lectures, grades, and deadlines, I can focus on the tasks I am responsible for with a clearer and more patient perspective. It will also help me manage the stress that comes with the school year.
Plenty of New Yearâs resolutions fail by February because the goals are unrealistic and focus on the bigger picture, rather than the smaller, everyday steps. People are so focused on their fresh start they forget their reason for taking up a new activity in the first place. I donât want to make this mistake, which is why Iâm viewing running as a continued habit rather than a new beginning.Â
Every day brings new possibilities. January 1st is not the only moment youâre allowed to start over or try something new. If you want to take up a new hobby, move your body, or commit to a different practice, start it immediately! You donât need to wait for a perfect date, start whenever it feels right for you. If January passes and you find something else that interests you, go for it! Just because New Yearâs resolutions are culturally celebrated doesnât mean they work for everyone. After all, growth doesnât always follow a timed schedule!