This One Shocking Habit Will Make Your New Year’s Fitness Resolutions Fail – Find Out Now!

Students at UC Davis Share Tips for Staying Motivated at the Gym

As the calendar flips to 2026, many students at the University of California, Davis, are setting their New Year’s resolutions, with a notable number focusing on fitness goals. Initially, this motivation drives a surge in gym attendance, as witnessed by Amelia Lipcsei, a third-year mechanical and aerospace engineering major. She observes, “At the start of winter quarter, the gym is always completely packed, and by the end of the quarter, it becomes significantly emptier.” This pattern is not uncommon; many students find their resolve waning due to the academic pressures that intensify as the quarter progresses.

So why do fitness resolutions often falter, even when enthusiasm is at its peak? Hope Dickie, a fitness trainer from Los Angeles known as @hopeforgains on Instagram, sheds light on some common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

“A common mistake is that people create resolutions for themselves, but they aren’t specific enough or they go too extreme,” Dickie explains. “The greatest way to build gym habits is simple. Write down goals that are specific, measurable, attainable, realistic, and timely.”

Setting vague or overly ambitious goals can make the journey to fitness feel daunting. For instance, Lipcsei points out that broad aspirations like wanting to “go to the gym more” or “lift heavier” lack measurable criteria. Instead, she suggests that goals like “going to the gym three times a week” are far more effective and achievable.

For students who may be new to fitness, starting small is crucial. “If you’ve never been to the gym before, it’s not exactly realistic to say that you’re going to start going five times a week,” Lipcsei advises. “Starting with one or two times a week and then building up is much more attainable.”

Another significant hurdle for students is the mounting academic workload, particularly during midterms and finals. Lipcsei candidly shares her experience: “The more stressed I am and the less time I have to complete my tasks, the more I stop prioritizing going to the gym.” Yet, research indicates that regular exercise can actually alleviate stress and enhance academic performance. A study published in BMC Public Health supports the notion that integrating fitness routines can foster a more balanced and productive lifestyle.

As the year progresses, maintaining consistency in fitness becomes increasingly challenging. Dickie emphasizes the importance of establishing a routine: “Motivation comes and goes. Routine is a beautiful place to be in because going to the gym and working toward your goals becomes almost mindless.”

Having a clear motivation behind fitness goals can complement the routine effectively. Dickie elaborates on this: “I recommend being realistic about your intrinsic and extrinsic motivation. Both offer a different mindset. Intrinsic motivation, like gaining confidence and getting healthier for family, has a greater effect because it goes deeper than just wanting to ‘look’ a certain way.”

Third-year political science major Zimo Zeng offers her perspective on intrinsic motivation. “My motivation to go to the gym is that I see working out regularly as part of my identity, and it makes me feel more aligned with my future self.” She recalls a time when her rigorous routine became overwhelming, leading her to reassess her goals. “My main goal is consistency. Last year, I went to the gym almost every day, but it was so draining that I almost wanted to quit. I adjusted my goal to going three times a week, which was much easier to maintain.”

Social accountability can also play a vital role in staying committed to fitness goals. Zeng mentions how working out with friends keeps her motivated: “When I don’t feel like going, my friend Harley helps me stick to my goals. Going together makes it much easier, and my procrastination disappears.”

Additionally, Zeng highlights the importance of planning ahead to create excitement about working out: “Something that has worked well for me is buying cute workout clothes and picking out my gym outfit the night before. Having something I’m excited to wear makes it more fun to go to the gym the next day.”

As the academic landscape presents new challenges, incorporating fitness into daily life can significantly enhance overall well-being. Dickie encapsulates this sentiment: “Fitness is insanely therapeutic. Moving your body, getting your blood pumping, and finding peace in your headspace while working on your health is incredibly fulfilling. I’m a full believer that movement is medicine. Fitness is the greatest stress reliever. Period.”