Expert gives fitness motivation tips as new year approaches

MONTGOMERY, Ala. (WSFA) – 2025 is less than a week away. For many, the new year means new fitness and wellness goals.

While the new year can bring new motivation, that motivation can run out fairly quickly, even though it doesn’t have to.

The healthy living director at the YMCA of Greater Montgomery, Brandon Maddox, says most people fail to plan their routine. He gave some pointers to help people meet their wellness goals.

For starters, Maddox said a well-balanced diet is crucial for losing weight and building muscle.

“I tell people when you eat, you don’t always have to fill your plate. Put what you want on your plate to start, and if you’re hungry, then go back and get more, but don’t fill your plate up and feel that you have to eat everything,” he said.

It’s also important to plan a weekly workout routine that works for your schedule. Maddox said you should know what exercises you’re going to do in each session.

He said the key is to maintain consistency. The important thing is to move your body daily, so you can see results that stick, even though the amount of time can differ. Sometimes you might have an hour, and other times you may only have 15 minutes.

“You just want to plan your workouts for the week. Know what times work for you and don’t work for you. Pack your clothes the day before so that you don’t forget it. And then if you plan to working on your lunch break, you forget your clothes, then you’ve just shot your workout for the day. So plan your workout and just stay consistent, and that’s really the biggest thing,” he said.

If you can’t make it to the gym, Maddox suggested going planning exercises you’re able to do at home, such as walking outside and focusing on how long you’re aiming to walk.

Maddox encourages health seekers to trust the process, saying that there is no healthy way to lose a lot of weight in a short amount of time.

“A healthy range to target is to lose one to two pounds per week,” he said.

Places like the YMCA of Greater Montgomery offer special plans and one-on-one advice to help people meet their goals. Montgomery’s YMCA has nine locations across the city, including a new one at the former Jackson Wellness Center on Halcyon Park Drive.

It is currently holding a no fee special for new memberships.

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