It’s a well-known fact that many individuals aim to shed some pounds as the New Year rolls in.
After indulging in festive treats and perhaps overdoing it on the drinks, it’s only natural for people to want to cut back on their food intake and increase their exercise.
However, according to a top personal trainer, it’s crucial to kick off January with a realistic slimming plan. Luke Worthington, 45, hailing from London, is a personal trainer who has gained recognition for his insightful health advice.
With over 25 years of experience as a sports scientist, trainer, nutritionist, and strength and conditioning coach, Luke offers guidance to a number of high-profile clients.
Understanding the pressures of the entertainment industry has enabled him to assist some of the biggest names in film and showbiz achieve their fitness goals.
He frequently shares his tips on his @lukewtrainingInstagram account, and has now shared some advice that promises to get you in top shape for 2025.
When it comes to starting fresh in January, he said people often make a common mistake. While it may seem tempting to go hard or go home, approaching a new lifestyle too heavily could also have its cons.
Luke explained: “New year is absolutely the most popular time for people to start trying to implement healthy changes to their lifestyles – the obvious reasons being it’s right after a period often associated with over-indulging, and also the psychology of January 1 being a line in the sand, and wanting to start a New Year in a positive fashion.
“While there is absolutely nothing at all wrong with this approach, and I’m in favour of any motivation all that encourages people to make positive changes, I do think it’s important to think long-term when it comes to any changes we want to make.
“Consistency is the most important factor when it comes to health and wellbeing, so any kind of resolution we make for January 1 should be one we can still see ourselves doing in November.
“Working out every day you may be able to do for a month, but probably not too much longer than that. Committing to working out three times a week all year round is far more achievable.
“Preparing all of your meals every day you may feel possible for a few weeks but, unless it’s your job, at some point life will get in the way and it will become impossible. However, cooking your own food five days a week and giving yourself the weekends to eat out or get a takeaway, might feel a bit more sustainable.”
The trainer said we talk a lot about sustainable energy, sustainable transport and even sustainable fashion, but less about sustainable fitness. This is something people need to think about going forward.
Previously, Luke also admitted people make a lot of mistakes when it comes to fitness. He said there are many ways people “go wrong”, as a lot of people seem to take an “all or nothing” approach, which isn’t beneficial in the long run.
This is something he sees again and again, and is usually heightened during the festive season. According to Luke, any or all of these factors can lead to a person missing some planned workouts, or straying from their nutritional plan.
Periods like Christmas, or other busy times of year, make this all the more likely to happen, but there are always things you can try and do to stay on track – even at times where you feel like you’ve fallen off the wagon.
He added: “One of the most common mistakes is if or when that happens. Then assuming that you have in some way undone all of your good work, and just giving up altogether.
“I would encourage people to zoom out a little and understand that this isn’t something you can get wrong – that living a healthy (and hopefully therefore longer) life is a long-term goal.
“Bumps in the road at some point are inevitable. The important thing when that happens is to accept it for what it is, and get right back on plan when you can.”
More information about Luke can be found on his website.