How to Lock In Your Fitness Routine Before the New Year

Posted On Nov 25, 2025 By BowFlex Insider Team

woman smiling

If you're feeling the urge to recommit to your fitness goals before the new year rolls around, you're not alone. While many still choose to wait until January to restart their routines, social media feeds have been overflowing with encouragement to "lock in" on healthy habits now, whether that means getting more steps in, prioritizing strength training, or experimenting with new ways of working out before the winter season hits.

There's something empowering about getting ahead of the January 'New Year's Resolutions' rush and entering the new year with your habits already moving in the right direction. Ahead, we unpack the “locking in” trend and share tips for starting your routine today.

man using selettech dumbbells

Why Starting Now Might Be A Good Thing

The end of the year means hectic schedules, fewer daylight hours, and often colder temps — conditions which can easily throw routines out of balance even when you have the best intentions. Here's how adopting a 'locking in' mentality can help:

  • It can help you build momentum: Starting now means you skip the “starting from scratch” feeling when January rolls around, because you've already started to build consistency and set yourself up for sustainable habits that will stick for the long-term.
  • It can support your mental wellbeing: The darker, colder winter months can impact your mood and energy levels, making it easier for low motivation and the winter blues to set in. Creating a routine that prioritizes movement can help regulate your energy, improve your sleep, and boost your mood.
woman riding c6

How to Lock In On Your Fitness Goals

Prioritizing your fitness now doesn't have to mean dramatic, time-consuming shifts to your routine. Consistency and intention are the goals here — not perfection and intensity.

  • Set realistic goals. Instead of deciding that you'll work out every day (an unsustainable goal, especially if you are just beginning your fitness routine), choose a target you know you can stick with. This could look like: 20 minutes of movement a few days a week, aiming to squeeze in two strength training sessions before the weekend, or a nightly stretching routine.
  • Schedule your workouts like appointments. BowFlex Fitness Advisor and CPT Amy Schemper says that when it comes to building a routine that sticks, personal accountability is key — whether you're planning time to meet up with friends for a hike, or anticipating your next workout in your home gym. Scheduling fitness makes it easier to hold yourself to commitments even when life gets busy.
  • Aim for progress, not perfection. Whether you're reaching toward a step goal, committing to a certain number of workouts completed each week, or aiming for time spent strength training, tracking and celebrating progress of any kind — an additional workout added, another rep completed, or using heavier weights this time — is key to help you stay motivated for the long haul.
  • Ensure your environment supports your goals. Having a dedicated workout space — whether it's the corner of your living room, or a home gym — is critical to making your habits stick. Consider laying out your clothes the night before and visualizing your next workout to boost your motivation even more.
woman running on a bowflex treadmill

Fitness Equipment to Help You Meet Your Goals

Locking in on your fitness is much easier when you have an at-home gym setup built to help you reach your goals.

If you want to run more (or you're pushing for a race PR): try the BowFlex T16 Treadmill.

Whether you're new to running or already log mile after mile, the right treadmill is key to building a strong running base. The BowFlex T16 Treadmill offers ultra-responsive speed and incline adjustments that help you maintain momentum while supporting a wide range of training styles.

How the T16 can help you lock in:

  • Mix up your training styles. The T16's adjustable speed and incline are great for intervals, hill sessions, and steady-state runs.
  • A large running surface supports longer strides and higher-intensity workouts.
  • Stay motivated and in tune with your metrics with Apple Watch and Samsung Galaxy Watch connectivity. You can also train with popular fitness apps including JRNY, Peloton, or Zwift.

If you want to prioritize strength training: try the BowFlex Results Series 552 Dumbbells.

Adjustable dumbbells are a game-changer for home gyms. Replacing multiple sets of weights in a compact design, the Results Series 552 Dumbbells make strength training easy to fit into your schedule and space. Switch between weight settings with the quick twist of the dials, from 5 to 52.5 pounds per dumbbell.

How the Results Series 552 Dumbbells can help you lock in:

  • Weight adjusts quickly, making transitions between exercises and sets seamless.
  • From squats and deadlifts to presses and rows, the Results Series Dumbbells support a full-body strength routine at home.
  • Their compact size makes strength training accessible, even in smaller spaces.

If you want to fall back in love with cardio: try the BowFlex Max Total 16.

If running isn't your thing, and you want an alternative option for at-home cardio, the BowFlex Max Total 16 might be more your speed. Designed to deliver an intense yet low-impact workout, it combines the motion of an elliptical with the power of a stair climber for an efficient full-body workout.

How the Max Total 16 can help you lock in:

  • Short, yet effective workouts make it easier to stay consistent in the long term.
  • Access trainer-led workouts through JRNY or stream your favorite show to keep your workouts engaging and motivating.
  • 20 resistance levels and 6-grip handlebars make it easy to mix things up.

Locking in on your fitness routine now doesn't have to mean pushing hard through the holidays. Showing up for yourself now in a sustainable way will help you build consistent habits to finish the year strong and set yourself up for success when the next one starts.

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The content on this blog is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. This information is not a substitute for professional medical diagnosis, treatment, or advice. Always consult with your physician or another qualified healthcare provider before beginning any new exercise program, making changes to your fitness routine, or if you have questions about your health.