Before 153 BCE, the Roman Calendar had October as the 8th month of the year (octo means 8 in Latin), November as the 9th (novem means 9) and December the 10th (decem means 10).

The old Roman calendar made sense, as the seasons are a cycle. If you were inventing a cycle, where would you start it?

In the winter?

It makes more sense to us humans to start the cycle at the beginning as we know it – birth or Spring.

So why would anyone resolve to change exercise and eating habits at the end of a cycle – in the dead of winter?

Well, maybe because they think “It’s a New Year and that mean new things. A new you maybe.

But it really doesn’t make sense from a practical standpoint. Up here in the Northeast, winter means shorter days, less sun, and colder weather. Most people slow down – maybe put on a protective layer of fat. Snuggling in a blanket with a good book is much more appealing than trekking out in the snow and cold to get to an exercise class.

Starting with a major change in January works for some people (20%) but can be a bad idea others. Bad weather and lower energy levels due to lack of sunshine can all set you up for failure and disappointment.

I believe one of the main reasons people enact resolutions in winter is because they’re bored. Things slow down. I personally workout more in the winter because I have more time. But boredom also works against you when it comes to eating right. The more active you are, the more likely you are to stay on track with eating right.

Spring is when I make things happen! More sunshine. More energy. Less trekking through snow in the cold.

The data supports March as a better time to start an exercise program. 80% of people tht start a resolution in January don’t keep with them. For our gym, membership maxes out in March and April – not January and February as you might suspect. People that start in Spring are much more likely to stick with exercise in our experience.

Winter is, however, a great time for contemplation. If you’re serious about making some changes, contemplation and even precontemplation are important steps.

The stages of effective change are:

• Precontemplation – Not quite acknowledging that there is a problem behavior that needs to be changed. If you’ve noticed the negative effects of neglecting yourself, you’re likely already beyond this.
• Contemplation – Acknowledging that there is a problem but not yet ready, sure of wanting, or lacks confidence to make a change.
• Preparation/Determination . Do your research. Make a plan that will work this time!
• Action/Willpower – Get started. Maybe with diet first.
• Maintenance (Maintaining the behavior change)

This article in the Daily Mail outlines how to get started doing the right things this year. To sum the article up:

• Avoid setting yourself up for failure by dreaming up unrealistic and unachievable goals. Consider what DIDN’T work last time. One of the reasons most New Year Resolutions fail is because they’re made on the spur of the moment.
• Start your resolutions in March. Use winter to get a plan together.
• Break your goal down into digestible chunks. What are you going to do when the going gets tough. This is where a Personal Trainer comes in!
• Choose one word like ‘Discipline’ that defines what you want to achieve. Write it on the door of your refrigerator. ‘That constant reminder and the simplicity of the message meant that I achieved better-than-expected growth in the business, crossed the Ironman line with a personal best, and all without abandoning my wife and child!’
• Make SMART goals: specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-bound.
• Recruit family and friends a cheerleaders. You’ll stand a much better chance of succeeding. ‘Brief them that they’re responsible for keeping you to your goal.’

And if you need help, you know where to find us!

Ron