12 Months of Joyful Workouts
Every day is different, and consequently, so are our bodies and minds. However, it is possible to create joyful workouts throughout the year by following these twelve tips to guide you. Each tip is designed to be applied to a specific month of the year, for this coming year of 2026 and beyond. As always, prior to beginning any exercise program, please consult your physician.
Tip #1 January – avoid “stinkin’ thinkin’! Wake up daily and approach your workout with a smile on your face. How is that possible when you do not feel like smiling? Behave your way toward a smile by thinking of all the many blessings in your life. Even during times of adversity, there are reasons to smile.
Tip #2 February – commit to enjoy your workouts. While it may be difficult at times to enjoy the fatigue and expected discomfort, keep your mind focused upon the positive outcomes that you know lie ahead. With that thought in mind, move your body forward and reap the rewards.
Tip #3 March – think of how far you have come. If you just began a workout program in the beginning of 2026 and are a novice, you may be experiencing positive changes in your body and mind. Embrace those changes and keep your head in the game. If you are a workout veteran that has been struggling lately, consider how far you have come through the previous months and years and keep those thoughts driving you forward.
Tip #4 April – share with others how good you are feeling and encourage them to join you. There are few positive feelings that replace helping others find their path to health and fitness. You never know how many people you touch when you display joy and enthusiasm about your workouts. *Spread the Joy!
Tip #5 May – as the weather begins to show signs of improving, consider how you will integrate outdoor activities into your lifestyle. These activities should complement, not replace your positive workouts.
Tip #6 June – reassess your successes thus far this year and ensure that the joyfulness is not beginning to diminish. Perhaps it is time to try a different group exercise class format or modify your fitness floor program so take action to do so.
Tip #7 July – you should notice further progress based upon the positive changes you made to your program in June.
Tip #8 August – challenge yourself to increase the intensity of your workouts by achieving a significant milestone such as reaching authentic momentary muscle failure or hitting high Zone 5 and becoming breathless, then enjoying all the rewards that this level of training intensity provides.
Tip #9 September – if you have been keeping a workout log, review the log thoroughly — keeping track of your progress is an essential component of creating joyful workouts confirming you are staying the course. If not, make appropriate adjustments.
Tip #10 October – as the seasons change, prepare for this change from a positive perspective. Avoid feelings that may sabotage your progress!
Tip #11 November – as you realize the holidays are approaching, check-in with your current caloric expenditure and consider kicking up your workout intensity a notch during the season.
Tip #12 December – experience workout joy validation as you have come full circle!
By: Jackie Wright, Owner/Manager Lakewood Fitness