How many times have you told yourself, “I’ll start on Monday,” or “On January 1st, it’s go time!” It’s nice in theory, right? New Year, New You, and all that nonsense. But here’s the truth: Waiting for the new year to start your exercise routine is like saying you’ll start flossing when the dentist makes your next appointment. You’re procrastinating, not planning. And let me tell you, procrastination isn’t a great workout buddy.

The calendar flipping to January isn’t some magical moment where all your bad habits disappear and your inner badass finally emerges, clad in a matching workout set. Nope. It’s just another day—except it’s freezing outside, and you’re probably still bloated from holiday cookies and champagne.

So why not start today? Yes, December 2. A random Monday. Let’s discuss why now is the best moment to take action, even if your tree isn’t decorated yet or your shopping list is still a mile long.

The Myth of the “Perfect Start”

Ready for some tough love? There’s no such thing as a perfect time to start.

Life will always throw curveballs—holiday parties, kids’ sports tournaments, work deadlines, and your dog deciding to eat an ornament. Waiting for “perfect” gives you an excuse to keep pushing things off.

Starting in the middle of the holiday chaos trains you to deal with life’s unpredictability. Because let’s face it–if you can squeeze in a workout when your schedule looks like a tangled string of Christmas lights, you can do it anytime.

Small Wins Add Up

You don’t need to overhaul your entire life in one day. In fact, you shouldn’t.

Big, dramatic changes often backfire because they’re impossible to sustain. What you need are small, consistent wins. Think a 15-minute walk today, a quick bodyweight workout tomorrow, swapping out one sugary drink for water.

Starting in December gives you a head start on stacking those wins. By January 1, you’re already ahead of the game. You’re building momentum, and trust me, that momentum is gold. Once you see progress—no matter how small—it’s like a dopamine hit. And who doesn’t want more of that?

The Holidays Are Perfect Training Grounds

I know, I know—December is bonkers. There are cookies everywhere, the wine flows, and your schedule feels like you’re running down an Olympic moguls course at 152 miles per hour (on one ski). But that’s exactly why now is the perfect time to start.

Think of the holidays as a boot camp for real life. Can you navigate a cookie buffet and still hit your protein goals? Can you sneak in a workout between gift wrapping and kids’ Christmas concerts?

Starting now teaches you how to integrate fitness into the madness of everyday life. If you can crush it in December, you can crush it anytime.

You Deserve to Feel Good NOW

Let’s get a little vulnerable for a second. Why are you waiting for the new year to start your exercise routine? Is it because you feel you’re not worth the effort right now? Because that’s a lie, my friend. You are worthy of feeling strong, confident, and capable today—not some arbitrary date in the future.

Exercise isn’t just about losing weight or looking good in your holiday photos. It’s about mental clarity, stress relief, better sleep, and a stronger body that can handle whatever life throws at you. Don’t put off feeling amazing because of some made-up deadline.

Habits Aren’t Born Overnight

Here’s the truth about habits: they take time and effort. And probably a few curse words along the way.

It could take weeks or even months to solidify a new habit. So, if you start today, by February you’ll be rocking that routine like a boss.

Waiting until January to start your exercise routine will only delay that progress. By starting now, you’re giving yourself a runway to ease into it. You’re learning what works for you and what doesn’t. You’re building a foundation that will carry you into the new year—and beyond.

The Power of Momentum

Have you ever tried pushing a broken-down car? The first few steps are the hardest, but once it starts moving, it gets easier to keep going. Fitness is the same way.

Starting in December gives you that initial push. It might feel tough at first, but by the time the new year rolls around, you’ll have momentum with your exercise routine. You’ll feel stronger, more confident, and ready to take on bigger goals.

You’re Setting the Tone for Exercise in the New Year

How you start the new year matters, but how you end the current one matters even more. By starting now, you’re proving that you don’t need a “perfect” time to take action. You’re choosing progress over perfection, and that’s a mindset shift that will serve you far beyond your fitness goals.

So, What’s the Game Plan?

If you’re nodding along and feeling fired up, here’s how to take action:

1. Pick One Small Goal
   Don’t try to overhaul your entire life in one go. Maybe it’s a 10-minute walk every day. Maybe it’s drinking more water. Maybe it’s showing up at the gym once this week. Start small and build from there.
2. Make It Non-Negotiable
   Treat your workouts like you would a work meeting or a coffee date with a friend. Put them on your calendar, set reminders, and show up—even if you don’t feel like it.
3. Find a Buddy or Community
   Accountability is everything. Find a friend, join a class, or hit up a local gym with a supportive vibe (shameless plug: 26 is awesome at this if you’re looking for a gym in St. Louis). Staying consistent is so much easier when you have people cheering you on.
4. Celebrate the Wins
   Did you hit your step goal today? CRUSHED IT. Did you make it through a workout without collapsing? YOU’RE AMAZING. Celebrate every victory, no matter how small. They’re all steps in the right direction.
5. Give Yourself Grace
   You’re human. Some days will be more challenging than others, and that’s okay. Progress, not perfection, is the name of the game.

Final Thoughts on Starting Your Exercise Routine Before the New Year

Listen, I get it. The holidays are hectic, and waiting until January to hit the reset button is tempting. But here’s the truth: you don’t need an arbitrary date on a calendar. You just need to start.

So, lace up your sneakers, grab a water bottle, and take that first step today because the best time to start was yesterday. The second-best time? Right now.

Ready to take action? Let’s do it, together. Click the free into button here to schedule a free 15-minute consult.