10 ways to get fit this New Year

Start 2025 as you mean to go on.

It's the new year and, for many of us, a time to kick start January with a fitness hit to shift those extra pounds from the festive season and begin the year with a focus on fitness, health and wellbeing.

To help you get in shape and stay motivated throughout the winter months, we've pulled together 10 smart ways to get fitter and stick at it this 2025.

1. Start small

Don't run before you can walk. Literally. Setting your fitness goals too high to begin with can ultimately lead to disappointment and ditching them off. Instead, break down your main goal and start small with achievable steps to working towards that end result. 

So, if your goal is to run every week, don't set your distance or frequency too high to start off with. Designate a specific day and time, keep your distance realistic and build on your performance from there. Consistency and routine are key to staying committed to what you have set out to do.

2. Join a walking group

Being part of a fitness community with like-minded people sharing similar goals and providing support and encouragement can help to maintain motivation levels. It's also a great way of meeting new people and socialising.

Walking groups are great communities to be a part of, as not only do they tick the fitness box, but the pace of activity means you're able to meet new people and socialise as you exercise. Being outdoors and getting closer to nature also does wonders for your mental health, making it a great activity for both your body and mind.

Local clubs and groups

• Preston and District Walking Club
• The Preston Ramblers
• The Sunday Walking Group
• Walx Preston
• Nordic Walking with Dawn

For those who prefer a faster pace, why not join a running group such as Red Rose Road Runners or Women on the Run.

3. Rev up your dog walk

If you own a pet of the canine variety, why not pick up your usual dog walking pace and jog sections of  your route or, if you're feeling fit, all of it. Not only will it increase your heart rate, burn more calories and improve your overall fitness, though your dog will thank you for it too.

Note: before turning your walks into jogs, ensure your dog is fit and young enough to handle and benefit from the change of pace.

If you and your furry companion enjoy the new revved up outings, then why not consider joining Facebook - Preston Canicross, a friendly community of individuals who run with their dog in the local area. 

4. Hit the park gym

Get your running gear on and combine running with a gym hit in one session. Head over to Moor Park, Preston's oldest and largest Grade II listed park, to run a lap of its grounds before heading over to the AdiZone to make use of the free open air fitness facilities. Make up your own circuit of activities, then, if you're feeling super fit, blast out another park lap before heading home.

5. Commit to Preston parkruns

If you're keen to meet new people whilst keeping fit, then why not try out Preston parkrun. Held at Avenham and Miller Parks every Saturday at 9am, it's a free, fun, family friendly weekly 5k community event. Walk, jog or run - it's up to you!

6. Enter a running race

Whether you're new to running or run regularly, entering a race at a level above your current performance level can help keep you motivated to train towards the event and beyond.

7. Try fast walks

If running just isn't your bag, then why not try fast walks? It burns calories, feels good and is a relatively low impact exercise. What's more with an abundance of parks, nature reserves and gorgeous green open spaces to walk in, what's not to love about giving it a try.

8. Set a swimming challenge

If you don't feel like getting out over the winter months, then why not set yourself a goal to swim a set amount of miles over a time period, then head over to your local pool (such as  Fulwood, West View Leisure Centre or Swim Central Preston) to take on the challenge.

9. Do something you enjoy

For those who don't find enjoyment in the gym or braving those frequent cold, wet days to head out for a run or bike ride, there are plenty of other ways to workout. However, the key to maintaining that motivation throughout the year is finding something you enjoy

Be creative! If you hate running, don't pick that as your main form of exercise. Why would you stay motivated to do something you dislike?

For fun fitness ideas and inspiration check out Alternative indoor fitness activities in Preston.

10. Home workouts

For those days when it's cold and wet or the dark evenings are zapping your energy and you just can't motivate yourself to head out or take a trip to the gym, then have a bank of home workouts on standby so you can still get a fitness hit without leaving the house. 

Years ago, home exercising would barely be a consideration. However, thanks to the expansion of digital platforms such as YouTube, Apple Fitness+ and more, you can now choose from a range of fun exercise classes without leaving the comfort of your own home.

More fitness ideas in and around Preston

For more ideas on activities to keep you in shape this new years see our things to do section.

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Map address for fitness venues

Avenham and Miller Parks, South Meadow Lane, Preston, PR1 8JT
Moor Park, Preston, PR1 6AS
Fulwood Leisure Centre, Black Bull Lane, Fulwood, Preston, PR2 9YA
West View Better Health Leisure Centre, Ribbleton Lane, Preston, PR1 5EP
Swim Central, Unit 3, Fulwood Central, Oliver's Pl, Fulwood, Preston PR2 9BQ