2025 fitness journey starts now

For many, the start of a new year heralds the beginning of a new fitness journey as they embrace a resolution for change.

We spoke to Angie Barth and Sami Fisher from The Active Sisters about how to create habits that will become part of your long-term weekly routine.

They say scheduling exercise into your calendar each week is the easiest way to ensure it’s something you continue, when life gets busy.

“Consistency is key, whether that’s 15 minutes, 30 minutes or an hour a day, by consistently moving your body and showing up you will progress, you will get results,” Angie says.

“You will also feel good which is important as well.

“I think you need to meet yourself where you are on your journey, so if you are currently doing absolutely nothing incorporating 15 minutes into your day is going to make the biggest difference.

“A lot of the time people underestimate short workouts, but again it’s that consistency. You are better off doing 15 minutes a day rather than one hour workout a week. You’ll get better benefits from doing it daily rather than once a week.”

Sami agrees saying any activity which gets your heart rate up is beneficial.

“Schedule it like you would a doctors’ appointment,” she says.

It can be difficult to know how to get started and what exercise you will enjoy doing. Seeking help from a personal trainer, joining a studio and taking part in a group class can help.

“We’re big believers in strength training and cardio training, but it’s also finding exercises you enjoy doing. It’s really hard to not know that at the beginning, so joining a studio where you can try a variety, hiring a personal training or hiring someone who can help you learn and know what you want to work on … that’s really important,” Angie says.

Sami adds: “The power of a group fitness class is a big tip – showing up, having someone lead the way. You work out, you dance, you laugh, you’re in a community of likeminded women in our studio”.

Set yourself up for success

Another top tip is to set realistic expectations.

“Create that really strong, healthy routine around it, be consistent, and don’t have unrealistic expectations. Help and support is huge. There are so many free workouts, you can create a program yourself,” Angie says.

“Another thing is finding out why you’re doing it. Writing it down, doing some goal setting … what it actually means for you and why you’re needing to do it.”

Making fitness a priority and working out how it can best fit into your life will set you up for success.

“We have the best intentions of doing things, but it gets really busy. We believe if you can get your workouts done in the morning, and that works for your lifestyle, we think that’s one of the best things you can do,” she says.

“I know myself, if I don’t, I get caught up in my day and I’ll end up saying ‘it’s not a priority at the moment’.”

In January, most of us have new calendars and journals so it’s a great time to carve that time out.

“Make your fitness calendar part of your work and life calendar,” Sami says.

Angie says it is important not to take on too much.

“If you are trying to get better at eating, or you’re trying to exercise, focus on one because I think it can become so overwhelming,” she says.

“If you really need help with food, then get the help that you need with food. If you really need to focus on moving, then get help with movement and the rest will then follow.”

“Don’t overwhelm yourself in January,” Sami adds.

TOP TIPS FOR FITNESS SUCCESS

• Consistency – make being active part of your weekly routine
• Find activity you enjoy, so you’re more likely to stick to it
• Seek help from a personal trainer or a class/studio
• Be accountable
• Reward yourself for progress
• Be prepared – lay your clothes out the night before, do meal preparation to support healthy eating
• Try activity that challenges you, so you see and feel progress
• Get active with a friend
• Eat well – learn about food labelling, try to ‘eat a rainbow’ (healthy food with at least five colours) each main meal and embrace healthy snacking