top of page
Search

Why You Should Start Your Fitness Journey Now - Not in January


Blog post cover which reads “Why you should start your fitness journey now - not in January. Why wait for January? Discover how starting your fitness journey now sets you up for success, balances festive indulgence and builds long-term habits.” By Pinnacle Strength Lab. Find us in Medstead, Hampshire.

You’ve probably thought about waiting until January to start your fitness journey. It’s the “perfect” time, right? A fresh start after the festive season. But here’s the truth: waiting until January means missing out on some amazing opportunities to get ahead.


Starting now - before the New Year - can help you feel fitter, more energised, and ready to enjoy the holidays without guilt. And when January comes around, you’ll already have momentum while others are just starting out.


Here’s why starting your journey now is a game-changer - and how you can get started today.



1. Beat the January Rush


January is notorious for overcrowded gyms. Everyone is fired up with New Year’s resolutions, but let’s be honest - most of those resolutions don’t last. In fact, 80% of people give up by February.


By starting now, you’ll avoid the overwhelm, build solid habits, and head into January already feeling strong and confident.


At Pinnacle Strength Lab, we offer a distraction-free, private gym facility in Medstead, Hampshire. There’s no waiting for equipment, no intimidation - just focused progress.


A picture of a large crowded area which reads “Picture this: it’s January, and while others are battling the crowds, you’re already four weeks ahead, feeling fitter and more confident.”


2. Build Momentum Before the New Year


There’s no such thing as the “perfect” time to start. The key question is: are you ready to make a change? Starting now gives you the chance to ease into it, so you don’t feel overwhelmed.


Take small steps:

  • Swap sugary snacks for whole foods.

  • Commit to two strength-training sessions a week.

  • Take daily walks to hit 8–10,000 steps (even if it’s around the house during work calls).


By January, these habits will feel second nature, and you’ll be miles ahead.


Even in just four weeks, you can see significant progress. Why wait?

3. Enjoy the Festive Season Guilt-Free


The holidays are about indulgence, and I get it - no one wants to feel restricted. But starting now doesn’t mean you have to miss out, it’s all about balance.


Here’s how you can enjoy yourself while staying on track:

  • Plan ahead: check menus before dining out so you can make mindful choices.

  • Use calorie flexibility: save calories earlier in the week if you’ve got a big event coming up.

  • Prioritise protein and vegetables in meals to stay fuller for longer.


By staying active and making small, intentional choices, you can enjoy all the festivities while feeling in control.


4. Stay Energised and Stress-Free


The festive season can feel hectic - endless to-do lists, family gatherings, and social commitments. It’s easy to feel frazzled. That’s where regular exercise comes in, it’s not just about physical benefits; it’s about your mental health too.


Even a 20-minute session can boost your mood, reduce stress, and give you more energy to tackle the day. Treat exercise as self-care. You deserve it!


At Pinnacle Strength Lab, we’ll help you design a programme that works around your busy schedule, so you can stay active even during the holidays.


Think of exercise as a gift to yourself. It’s your time to reset and recharge.

5. Get a Head Start on the New Year


Starting now means you’ll hit January with a clear sense of purpose. You’ll already know what works for your body, what habits you enjoy, and what results you can achieve.


Instead of feeling overwhelmed by New Year’s resolutions, you’ll feel motivated by the progress you’ve already made. Psychologically, this is a game-changer.


When the New Year begins, you’ll already have momentum. You’ll be miles ahead of where you’d be if you waited.

What Happens if You Wait?


If you hold off until January, here’s what you risk:

  • Missing out on the momentum you could build now.

  • Falling into an “all-or-nothing” mindset that makes New Year’s resolutions overwhelming.

  • Starting 2025 feeling sluggish instead of energised and confident.


You don’t need to overhaul your life to start seeing results. Small changes now can make a huge difference.



Gary McKay shares his experience of starting his personal training programme with Pinnacle Strength Lab in Medstead, Hampshire: “I never thought starting before January would make such a difference, but by the New Year, I already had more energy, felt stronger, and could see great progress reducing my body fat. Usually, I’d make it a resolution to be healthier and finally get into shape, and fall off the wagon by February. Doing it differently this time got me out of the rut of ‘starting over’ every January almost expecting to fail. I went into the new year feeling energised and focused and everything just felt like it fell into place from there”
Previous client, Gary, shares his experience.


Ready to Take the First Step?


There’s never a perfect time to start, but there’s always an opportunity to take action. Why not start now? At Pinnacle Strength Lab, we create personalised nutrition and training plans that fit into your life - even during the busiest season.


Imagine heading into January already fitter, stronger, and ready to tackle your goals.

Book your free, no-obligation consultation with me today. Limited slots are available, so don’t wait - start 2025 as your strongest year yet.









 

About the Author

James Stoddart-Burrows MSc MA CSCS PICP

James holds an MSc and Masters in Sports Science; he is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS) and a Poliquin International Certification Program (PICP) coach. James brings over two decades of experience in personal training and strength coaching. Having trained NFL players, elite athletes, and high-profile professionals at some of the world’s top-tier facilities, James combines exceptional expertise with a passion for helping clients achieve transformative results. Now, he brings the same premium service to his home town with Pinnacle Strength Lab, a private gym and personal training facility based in Medstead, near Alton, Hampshire. James specialises in sustainable fat loss, building strength, injury rehabilitation and strength and conditioning for athletic performance, offering bespoke coaching tailored to every client’s goals. Find out more at www.pinnaclestrengthlab.co.uk/about-PSL


Comments

bottom of page