Why You Don’t Need to “Start Again” in January And What to Do Instead This Christmas

“I’ll Start Again in January…”

It’s the most common phrase we hear this time of year and it might be the one that’s keeping you stuck.

At Soma Fitness in Hale, we work with busy men and women who want to enjoy Christmas without losing control and hit January already in motion, not starting from scratch.

Here’s why you don’t need to “restart” in the New Year and what to do instead.

The All-or-Nothing Trap

Most people fall into one of two camps over the festive period:

• All-in indulgence — food, drink, no training, “I’ll fix it in January”

• All-out restriction — guilt, shame, “I can’t have that,” missing out on social occasions

Neither work.

The key to long-term results isn’t perfection, it’s momentum.

And you don’t need to be in a fat loss phase right now to make progress.

What You Can Focus On Over Christmas

Here’s what we coach our clients to focus on in December:
✅ Keep training 2–3x per week (even short sessions)
✅ Stay active steps, walks, light cardio
✅ Manage portion sizes without restriction
✅ Enjoy the indulgences but don’t let them bleed into every day
✅ Stay hydrated, sleep well, and avoid “screw it” mentality

This way, you maintain control, enjoy the season, and avoid the January regret spiral.

Why “Starting in January” Rarely Works

The January gym rush is real and so is the February dropout rate.

Here’s why:

• People jump into unsustainable routines

• Motivation fades because there’s no structure or accountability

• Unrealistic goals set them up to fail

• They try to undo all of December in 3 weeks

At Soma Fitness, we coach our clients to avoid the cycle completely by starting slow and steady before or during January with a plan that actually works.

Set the Right Goals — Not the Loudest Ones

When we set goals with clients in January, we don’t say:
✖️ “Drop 10kg by February”
✖️ “Train every day”
✖️ “Cut out all carbs and sugar”

We say:
✅ Let’s build consistency
✅ Let’s establish a routine that fits your life
✅ Let’s focus on strength, structure, and lifestyle first then fat loss when the time’s right

This way, you actually stick to it and by March, you’re still going strong.

What to Do Now Before the Year Ends

If you’re in Hale, Altrincham, or nearby, here’s how to finish strong and start smarter:

✅ Book a consultation with us this December
✅ Get a clear plan that carries you through the holidays
✅ Hit January with structure, momentum, and confidence
✅ Avoid the overwhelm of starting cold in a packed gym with no plan

Ready to End the Year on a High?

You don’t need to wait for a new year to become a new version of yourself.
Start now even if it’s at a lower gear and January will feel like progress, not punishment.