If your New Year’s resolution is to get in better shape, but you’re worried about following through, you’re not alone.

A 2020 study of 1,700 people found that the group that rushes back to the gym as an annual resolution is less likely to stick with a regular fitness regime than those who join in the spring or fall. However, that does not mean it’s ever too early or late to invest in your physical health. Regular exercise can benefit your body and brain by improving moods and brain function, strengthening bones and muscles, increasing energy levels, reducing the risk of chronic disease, boosting sleep quality and much more.

It’s important to set personal goals for what you want to accomplish, which can extend beyond weight loss. The American Council on Exercise suggests creating a SMART goal — that is, one that’s specific, measurable, attainable, relevant and on time (includes a deadline and is accomplished within a certain period). No matter the goal, it is important to state it so you can have some direction and follow-through.

Getting started can seem daunting, but it can also be an opportunity to experiment with different ways of staying active. We compiled a list of some effective ways to help you reach your goals. The methods include at-home workout apps, outdoor hikes, group fitness classes and more.

Please consult your doctor before starting any new diets or exercise routines to ensure the programs are safe and appropriate for your current health.

Here are five ideas for getting in better shape in 2025.

Fitness apps

Before you get started, it is important to stretch, as it reduces the risk of injury and improves performance and agility while helping raise your body temperature so you’re ready for a workout.

If you’re new to stretching or just want more tips, check out Bend. The app offers personalized daily stretches that all levels of slouchers can do. Users can choose from stretching exercises that help with sleep, mobility and flexibility before or after a workout. It even has some core strengthening exercises. Bend is free to download but costs $13.99 monthly to access all the stretching routines.

One of the more comprehensive workout apps that is entirely free is Nike Training Camp. The app is geared to people of all fitness levels and allows users to filter workouts by muscle group, endurance, mobility, strength and equipment. Yoga is included. Users can also filter by duration, level and intensity. The app offers step-by-step instructions on performing the exercises and gives a sneak peek at some upcoming exercises in the routine.

If you’re looking for more of a group-led experience without having to step into a gym, check out Alo Moves. The app offers an in-home workout program that includes dance and yoga classes, high-intensity interval training, mindfulness techniques and more. The app is $13 a month and offers classes for beginning, intermediate and experienced participants.

Not everyone has an unlimited range of motion, and there are disabled people who may find navigating a gym a challenge. Accessercise offers exercises for people with disabilities, such as those missing limbs.

Group fitness

Working out in a group setting can be beneficial for several reasons. Having a buddy or two at the gym can help keep you motivated and accountable for your overall goals.

Attending group fitness courses such as yoga, Zumba, Pilates, circuit training, aquatic exercises, martial arts and other combat sports can get you physically active with the support of others standing side-by-side in class. Many gyms, such as 24 Hour Fitness, L.A. Fitness, Chuze and others, offer group fitness classes that are included with a membership.

Hikes

Being outdoors and surrounded by nature is a great way to change up your exercise routine and move out of an indoor setting. According to a study in the National Library of Medicine, being outdoors increases feelings of pleasure and can help us concentrate and focus more effectively.

If you’re feeling fatigued or tired of your at-home or gym workout routine, check to see what hikes are available in your area. In Southern California, we are fortunate to have scenic hikes less than 45 minutes away in almost any direction.

Each trail has its unique set of perks, whether you’re looking for a paved beginners path like those at Mount Rubidoux in Riverside or the unique formations of Potato Chip Rock in San Diego.

Hikingguy.com offers a breakdown of factors like length and difficulty on trails near you.

Meal prep

We’ve all been in situations where we grab the easiest thing to eat rather than the most healthful. If you’re looking to get in better shape, a significant portion of that success will also depend on what you eat, and meal prepping can be beneficial in getting closer to your fitness goals.

Meal prepping can also help save you money and time, balance your diet and reduce the stress of preparing daily meals.

If you don’t have time to cook, or whippin’ up a week’s worth of food isn’t your thing, check out meal prep services such as Taylor Made. Meal prep delivery services, such as Factor75 and MealPro, also offer a range of services in other cities in Southern California.

Check out Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health’s Meal Prep Guide for more tips.

Lifestyle

When it comes to getting in better shape, the best success will come from building a sustainable lifestyle that fits your individual needs. It’s important to keep in mind that lifestyle changes to get in shape are meant to replace the former lifestyle that wasn’t suiting your health needs.

However, it’s also not recommended you go cold turkey on foods like carbs or sugary, salty and processed snacks, but instead gradually decrease those foods from your overall diet. You also don’t want to start an exercise program that is severely intense and will cause you to burn out in a short period.

To help guide you on your path, the National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive Kidney Diseases suggests four stages: contemplation, preparation, action and maintenance.

The first stage involves thinking about change and finding the motivation to initiate it. In the preparation stage, you’re likely thinking about specific plans and ideas that will work for you such as what time works best to fit in a gym routine or how much weight you’d like to lose.

You’ll know you’re in the action stage once you’ve started to make healthier choices such as eating better and increasing your physical activity and sleep. In the final stage you’ll reach maintenance, where you’ll be working on how to maintain your newfound habits.