ODESSA, Texas (KOSA) – As the new year unfolds, many take the opportunity to set fresh goals and resolutions. Among the most popular are commitments to improving health and fitness. For fitness instructors, personal trainers, and gym enthusiasts, January is the busiest season as people flood gyms, determined to kickstart their fitness journeys.

Certified personal trainer and nutritionist Heidi Mollinary, from Fitness 1440, understands the challenges new gym-goers face.
“It took me a while to get out of my shell, especially in a gym. When I first got into any gym community, I was only on the elliptical. I didn’t know what to do; I didn’t know who to ask for help,” Mollinary shared.

That initial uncertainty is a common hurdle for many embarking on their fitness journey. Trainers often observe motivation peaking in January but fading within the first few months.

“A lot of times, people feel unmotivated or don’t end up wanting to go to the gym,” explained Alex Carrasco, Training Manager at Crunch Fitness in Odessa. “Really, motivation comes and goes, so you just discipline yourself. The moment you hit those doors and start working out, your whole mentality will change.”

5 Tips to Stay Committed to Your Fitness Goals:

1. Set realistic goals
2. Find activities you enjoy
3. Make it a social experience
4. Track your progress
5. Reward yourself

Fitness experts emphasize that the benefits of exercise extend beyond physical health.

“Fitness should be everyone’s life,” said Chris Palomarez, Personal Training Manager at Fitness 1440. “It just makes every part of your life better—family, your workplace, your friends, your energy levels, time with your kids. Every aspect of your life is increased by the effects of fitness and health.”

Fitness can also foster a sense of community, which plays a significant role in keeping people engaged.

“I’ve trained at a bunch of group fitness places, even at regular gyms, and the thing that I’ve found at F45 is just a sense of community we have here,” said Emily Hamer, a trainer at F45 Ponderosa West. “No one likes working out alone. Our community is great; our trainers are super positive and encouraging, and I feel like all of the members here are welcoming. Having people who encourage you to come back and try new things at the gym is what I love about F45.”

For many, the hardest part is simply getting started.

“The hardest and the heaviest lifting weight is honestly walking through those doors,” Carrasco added. “The moment you get in here and get started, your mentality changes. You’ll build not only physical endurance but also mental endurance. You’ll feel way more capable, and it helps in so many different ways—physically, emotionally, and mentally. Especially if you’re going through some things, this is probably one of the best ways to work through them.”

While it’s true that motivation often wanes after the excitement of the New Year, staying disciplined and implementing a few key strategies can help you stick to your fitness goals through 2025 and beyond.

Copyright 2025 KOSA. All rights reserved.