Workplace Athlete,
Welcome to 2026! I hope you enjoyed a peaceful and fulfilling end to 2025 and are ready to ring in the new year with excitement. Are you hoping to make positive changes to your physical and mental health but are unsure where to begin? You’re not alone. Studies show that 80–90% of New Year’s resolutions fail by February. In fact, the second Friday in January is often referred to as “Quitters Day” when many people abandon their goals.
Some of the most common reasons for this are overambitious goals, feeling pressured to make a resolution, or lacking a clear and specific plan. Luckily, there are things you can do to increase your chances of success, and this quarter's articles are is here to help!
When picking something to work on, it helps to avoid an all-or-nothing mindset and to focus on behaviors, not end goals. Start small and work your way up to the bigger changes. Are you looking to add some physical activity to your daily routine? A great place to start is the body weight front squat. This simple exercise can be done almost anywhere, helps build strength, and is generally knee-friendly. Consider adding a short daily walk, before or after work, or even on your lunch break. Focus on consistently making the time, and not the number on the scale. This quarter our articles have plenty of tips to help keep you safe out in the cold. Remember to always check with your primary care physician before attempting any new physical activity.
If the holidays left you feeling like your nutrition could use a reset, the nutrition section offers helpful guidance. Adding a vegetable to a meal or increasing your water intake are often easier to maintain than significant diet changes and can lead to lasting healthy habits. These more manageable changes can significantly increase your chances of sticking to your resolution long term.
Most importantly, give yourself grace and avoid unrealistic expectations. Guilt and perfectionism can quickly become overwhelming and lead to quitting early. Change is hard, and no one is perfect. Setbacks are a regular part of the process, but with consistent effort and patience, meaningful and positive changes can happen. The best news is that CIPS is here to help! Reach out to your CIPS representative today to learn how we can help you be successful with your New Year's Resolutions!
Stay Healthy and Well,
Ashley Zeltwanger MS, LAT, ATC®, CEAS II™
