Once January arrives, many focus on making resolutions, especially related to health.However, as the month goes on, it’s common for commitment to wane. For 2025, a few folks have chosen to continue the commendable progress they made last year. We asked some fitness enthusiasts to share their New Year’s fitness goals.
Since it’s a time for reflection and growth, leading by example feels most fitting. Fitness has always been an integral part of my life, but ‘adulting’ can make finding time for exercise a challenge. On top of that, osteoarthritis has slowed down my active lifestyle.
In September, I made a brand new commitment to myself by enlisting a personal trainer, Shane Phillips, to work out in the mornings ,while attending dance fitness classes at Fit Lab Studios in the evenings, five days a week. With that support, along with cleaner eating habits, I’ve managed to drop two sizes and lose close to 15 pounds so far. The plan is to keep going and shed at least 50 more to officially experience an even ‘hotter girl summer’.
RYAN RILEY
For Brand Manager Ryan Riley, the reality hit after losing family members to chronic diseases, that he needed to take health matters into his own hands. “I had noticed that my mobility and strength had gotten worse over the years, and I needed to do something about it,” he explained to Lifestyle.
Having done karate and dancing for years, he was lifting weights for the first time in a long time. “With my muscle memory, going to the gym four to five times per week, doing half an hour, including walks and lifting heavy weights; eating a very heavy protein diet; and reducing my calorie intake by dieting or fasting worked for me. I lost 12 pounds in two months.”
Since following this regimen and engaging in a weight training programme by powerlifting champion Sami Depass-Brown, Riley is impressed with the results so far.
“I really can’t tell when last I’ve felt so good. Stairs at work or anywhere is a breeze for me now. I’m no longer out of breath when I finish putting on my shoes. To look better and have more energy and strength is a great feeling; and I’m addicted to the gym, to the point my trainer says I have no problems resting, because I’m getting the results fast by being consistent.” The aim is to make this lifestyle change a permanent one to help with mobility and lower the chance of illnesses.
DENILLE BAHADOSINGH
Content creator and social media influencer Denille Bahadosingh shared that after losing her parents to cancer, she wanted to prioritise her health, once and for all. “I’ve seen major success from two small improvements. First, I’ve committed to 10,000 steps per day. I have cut all sugary beverages out of my diet, only drinking water or low-calorie, flavoured water. I also only drink alcohol socially these days. In eight weeks, I was down a size, from extra large to large,” she revealed.
For 2025, her plan is to increase her appetite for wellness. “My step target will now be 13,000 steps per day. I’ll be maintaining a stricter diet with no rice intake, and include more fish dishes in the diet than meat, while increasing my green, leafy vegetables. I will also be incorporating hill training into my weekends to keep my legs toned.”
RUEL HAUGHTON
With two young children looking up to him, Ruel Haughton decided it was time to make a change. “My children are one and three years old. I’m 45, presently, and would really love to be as involved in their lives, physically, in the sense of being able to go for runs, walks or play games with them for as long as possible. I also believe in leading by example. So I have to prioritise my health.”
Going for walks and runs at least twice per week, Haughton also plays football for at least two hours weekly. His diet has changed tremendously. “Gone are the days when I could eat what I want. I try to not take anything with sugar. I eat less portions, less rice and bread, and more fruits, vegetables and fresh ground provisions. More focus is now placed on the concept of backyard to table.”
He plans to carry his children on his health improvement journey and has already implemented healthy eating for the home. “I want to support them in getting healthy habits, while spending precious time with them. Also, I want to focus on losing a bit more weight, start lifting weights, and stay away from eating things I know I shouldn’t,” he said.
