Unpopular Opinion: Start Your 2025 Fitness Goals in November/December

It’s that time of year again—holiday parties, endless food, and the looming pressure of New Year’s resolutions. For most people, fitness goals are something to “start fresh” on January 1. But here’s an unpopular opinion: the best time to start working toward your 2025 fitness goals is right now, in November or December.

Why Wait for January?

January is when gyms are packed with people trying to “turn over a new leaf.” It’s the season of crowded weight rooms and overbooked yoga classes. Meanwhile, November and December are seen as months for indulging, taking it easy, and saying, “I’ll start next year.”

But here’s the thing: getting a head start in November or December sets you apart. While everyone else is struggling to get off the couch in the new year, you’ll already have momentum. You’ll be hitting the ground running—literally and figuratively.

Build a Habit Before the Chaos

Starting your fitness journey during the holidays might sound counterintuitive, but it’s actually the perfect time. Why? Because building a habit now prepares you to thrive in challenging environments. If you can stay consistent amidst holiday treats and busy schedules, imagine how unstoppable you’ll be in January.

Plus, you’ll skip the “shock factor” of jumping into a new routine after weeks (or months) of inactivity. Your body and mind will already be primed for success.

Enjoy the Holidays Guilt-Free

Let’s be honest: the holidays are a time of indulgence, and there’s nothing wrong with enjoying good food and time with loved ones. But if you’re already working toward your fitness goals, you won’t feel the post-holiday guilt. You’ll know that one extra slice of pie or a skipped workout won’t derail your progress because you’ve already put in the work.

Start Small, Build Big

You don’t need to overhaul your life overnight. Start with small, achievable steps:

• Commit to 15–30 minutes of movement each day. A walk, a home workout, or a quick gym session is enough.

• Focus on consistency, not perfection. The goal is to build a routine, not hit every workout perfectly.

• Make smarter choices during meals. You don’t have to skip the stuffing, but maybe don’t go back for thirds.

By the time January rolls around, these small steps will already feel like second nature.

Stay Ahead of the Crowd

The new year brings a surge of people jumping into fitness, often with unsustainable resolutions. By starting now, you’ll avoid the initial overwhelm and confusion. You’ll already know what works for you, what doesn’t, and how to stay consistent.

More importantly, you’ll start 2025 with confidence, knowing that you’re ahead of the game.

Final Thoughts

The idea of starting your fitness goals in November or December might not be popular, but it works. It’s about taking ownership of your journey and refusing to wait for an arbitrary date to improve your life.

So, why not start today? Your future self will thank you.