Local fitness instructor talks how to stick with new year’s fitness resolutions

BOWLING GREEN, Ky – As the calendar turns to a new year, many people set resolutions with the hope of making positive changes. But for most, those goals don’t last long.

Studies show nearly 94% of people abandon their New Year’s resolutions by the end of February, and about 80% give up on fitness goals within the first two months. Experts say the biggest obstacles are a lack of motivation, accountability and unrealistic expectations.

That pattern is familiar to Mekayla Van Wyk, a fitness instructor at RockBox.

“I think it’s a lack of consistency or a lack of motivation,” Van Wyk said. “Once you find that workout that’s really great for you, it’s easier to stick with it and stay more consistent. It really comes down to finding what you love and finding the right group of people.”

Instead of encouraging extreme goals, Van Wyk said she focuses on helping members build routines they can maintain long term. She also emphasizes the importance of community support, especially when motivation starts to fade.

“As soon as I see somebody kind of in that hard spot, I try to give them that tough love,” Van Wyk said. “But when I see somebody really start to get motivated, I’m helping them up. I’m right in their corner, telling them they look good so they’ll come back tomorrow.”

RockBox member, Courtney Gossett, said that encouragement makes a difference.

“Everyone’s just cheering you on, fist pumping you,” Gossett said. “It just gives you that motivation to keep going.”

As the initial excitement of the new year wears off, experts say success isn’t about perfection. Instead, they recommend focusing on consistency, realistic goals and finding a supportive environment that makes healthy habits easier to maintain.