As we approach the halfway point of 2026, another important figure has also been reduced by half: the number of folks maintaining an exercise program they started in January. This has nothing to do with “New Year’s” resolutions, and everything to do with taking ownership. As Gretchen Rubin, a popular habit scientist and happiness researcher, explains: “people often choose a form of exercise based on misleading factors, such as… want[ing] to change their appearance, what’s in fashion… or what someone else suggests.” In her book Better Than Before, Rubin posits that we’re most likely to stick with an exercise routine that suits our temperament and schedule. While many people share common goals in seeking to exercise regularly, it seems counterintuitive to assume that 8.3 billion people should take exactly the same path to reach them.
In attempting to formulate an exercise regime, it’s important to adjust as many elements as possible to remove any unnecessary obstacles, and allow you to receive enjoyment as well as benefit from the exercise that you do. Some factors to consider:
- Are you a morning person, or a night person?
- Do you enjoy spending time outdoors?
- Are you motivated by competition?
- Are you better served by music for energy, or quiet for clarity?
- Is it easier for you to stick to a schedule when someone else holds you accountable (like a trainer, a gym buddy, or a running group)?
- Do you prefer challenge (learning a new skill, pushing yourself to reach new limitations) or routine?
- Does the gamification of sports and competitions feel stressful or energizing?
- Where does a post-gym shower fit into your schedule?
Look, we’re all for pushing yourself – but you’ll get a lot farther, faster down your personal path of least resistance. By adjusting the factors that can be tweaked according to what works best for you, and not someone else, you’re removing your excuses; so that sticking to an exercise routine can become a matter of pushing against only your physical limits. Perhaps the most important method of smoothing the path is ensuring that it leads somewhere you want to go. If you know the destination, but aren’t enjoying the journey, our staff is here to help you chart a different course.
