Hate Working Out? Part 2

Work-out tips

Note: While I’m no longer a personal trainer, my 20+ years in fitness and massage therapy give me a unique perspective on long-term health and movement habits.

It’s that time of year again—post-holiday season, when many of us feel the aftermath of festive treats and parties. You might be thinking, “Now that the holidays are over, I’ll finally start exercising, lose the weight, and get into shape.” The problem? About 80 to 85 percent of New Year’s resolutions to get fit don’t last.

Walk into any gym in January or February, and you’ll find it packed, with people waiting for treadmills and machines. But check back by May or June, and you’ll see the opposite—empty equipment and staff wiping down unused machines. Most people fall off their fitness plans within six months.

Fitness isn’t a part-time gig; it’s a lifelong commitment—and only about 10 to 15 percent of resolution-makers stick with it long-term. Why?

In Part 1 of this series, I shared how I once believed that building the habit of exercise was the key to success. But after two decades as a massage therapist and former personal trainer, I’ve learned there’s more: the difference between people who “find” time to exercise and those who “make” time to exercise.

Life will always throw curveballs. The difference is having a strategy to stay committed, so exercise becomes as routine as brushing your teeth—and eventually, your body craves it.

Remember: there’s no magic bullet. You won’t see instant results or weight loss without consistent effort—both in and out of the gym. You have to show up and do the work.

Why do some people succeed? Because they get addicted to feeling good—stronger, more flexible, sleeping better, and fitting into their clothes more comfortably. Give it time, and you’ll get there, too.

Note: I’m no longer a practicing personal trainer, but I bring over two decades of fitness knowledge into my current work in sports massage and body rehabilitation. These insights are here to educate and help you understand how proper training and movement can support a healthy, pain-free body.