Forget the “New Year, New Me”: How to actually stick to fitness in 2026

Every January, it feels like the world is shouting at us to “reinvent ourselves.” New planners, new goals, new workout trends… and, let’s be honest, a lot of pressure. But for women in midlife, those big resolutions rarely stick. Energy dips, motivation wavers, and life keeps moving at its usual pace.

Here’s the good news: you don’t need more willpower. You don’t need to spend hours in the gym. What actually works is a plan — a simple, structured approach that fits your life and gets results.

1. Make Fitness Almost Automatic

James Clear talks about making habits obvious, attractive, easy, and satisfying. That means designing your environment and routine so movement happens without a struggle.

• Keep your dumbbells somewhere visible — out of sight is out of mind

• Schedule your 30-minute workout like any other appointment

• Prep your workout clothes the night before so you’re ready to go

When it’s easy to start, you won’t waste energy negotiating with yourself to exercise.

2. Focus on Tiny, Consistent Wins

Mel Robbins reminds us that action beats motivation every time. Waiting to feel motivated is a trap — momentum comes from showing up. Start with manageable blocks of time and build consistency:

• Three 30-minute sessions per week can transform strength and energy

• Even 5–10 minutes of movement counts on busy days

• Celebrate the small wins — lifting heavier, moving with more ease, feeling stronger

Consistency compounds. Small wins today lead to bigger results tomorrow.

3. Build a Plan That Actually Works

The biggest mistake I see midlife women make is trying to wing it. You don’t need more willpower — you need structure. A plan that lays out workouts, progression, and recovery removes decision fatigue and keeps results coming.

• Follow short, effective circuits at home with just a set of dumbbells

• Mix strength, mobility, and low-impact movement for balance

• Track progress in energy, strength, and how your clothes feel — not just numbers on the scale

When you know exactly what to do and when, it’s easier to show up — even on days you don’t feel like it.

4. Make It Fit Your Life, Not the Other Way Around

Flexibility is key. Your workouts should slot into your day, not disrupt it:

• 30 minutes is enough — you don’t need an hour in the gym

• Swap sessions around depending on your week

• Move when you can, rest when you need to

The more your routine feels natural, the more likely it is to stick.

5. Track What Truly Matters

Forget obsessing over the scale. For midlife women, real progress shows up in energy, strength, mobility, and confidence:

• Lifting heavier weights or doing more reps

• Feeling more energized in the morning

• Moving with less discomfort and more ease

• Sleeping better and thinking clearer

Notice these wins — they keep motivation high and help you appreciate the journey.

Make 2026 the Year You Show Up for Yourself

How to actually stick to fitness is not as complicated as it can seem: The truth is, you don’t need a massive New Year overhaul to see results. You need a plan that’s simple, structured, and actually fits your life. If you’d like a ready-to-go system that combines 30-minute workouts, practical nutrition tips, and a supportive community of women in midlife, my 6-week challenge starting Monday 5th January is designed to do exactly that.

No guesswork. No endless motivation battles. Just a plan that works — and the results to prove it.

Reserve your spot today and start 2026 with structure and strength!

Here’s to a year of showing up for yourself — consistently, confidently, and on your terms.

Jen x