FIND YOUR FLOW AND SETTLE INTO A TRAINING ROUTINE THAT LASTS
The start of a new year is always a fresh opportunity to get those good feelings going. To move more, feel better, and make a commitment to yourself. However, for many, the January resolutions are at the back of the cupboard along with the fancy new gym clothes by the time February rolls around… Training feels intimidating, and goals seem out of reach.
Ceri Hannan, Head of Product at Planet Fitness, says the key is to “find something you don’t hate, and stick with it.” His philosophy is that training should be fun. “It’s about enjoying movement and feeling like you belong. Consistency beats intensity every time.”
For those who’re struggling, it’s crucial to choose the right class or workout. Hannan recommends sessions that build confidence and motivation, and which give the tools to move safely while seeing progress: “The right class makes training approachable and achievable. You can grow at your own pace and still feel part of the community, and feeling supported and connected is what makes results stick.”
The hardest part is often the mindset. It’s easy to compare yourself to others or to feel pressured to achieve too quickly. But discipline drives lasting change, even while motivation comes and goes. Hannan says that discipline creates routine. Showing up regularly, even on low-energy days, builds momentum that carries you past setbacks. And setbacks will happen. However, missing a workout or struggling with a movement doesn’t mean failure. “Every day is a chance to start fresh. Every session counts toward progress, and every effort adds up.”
A balanced approach also makes a difference. Hannan encourages mixing styles, such as Pilates for core control, HIIT for energy, and hybrid functional sessions like HYROX to keep workouts engaging.
The same goes for nutrition. Extreme calorie limits and protein targets rarely work over the long term because you feel deprived, often leading to binge eating as a retaliation. Your energy will be low, and you’re not doing your lean muscle gain, bone density, or gut health any favours. Rather stick to an eating plan (not a diet!) that’s healthy, balanced, flexible, and filling. A plan that’s easier to maintain.
Hannan notes that irresponsible social media influencers often promote unrealistic ideals, and warns against measuring your progress in terms of someone else’s image, which, in all likelihood, has been filtered and photoshopped. “Focus on how you feel, how you move, and what your body can do. Acknowledge that you’re unique, celebrate small wins,stay consistent, and adapt when necessary. These are the habits that separate people who maintain their training habits from those who quit.”
Also, remember that, at its heart, a training routine is about connection. Training in a welcoming environment, surrounded by people who support and encourage you, makes every step more achievable. Hannan believes that this sense of community is just as important as the workouts themselves: “Training should feel good. It should make you smile and give you energy. You should end every session feeling proud of what you’ve done.”
As you settle into your routine this year, keep in mind that consistency, patience, and enjoyment are your biggest flex. Every journey is personal, but being part of a supportive community can make all the difference. Every step, every rep, and every class are chances to gain and feel genuinely good.