90% of Australians give up on their fitness goals

While more than half of Australians set activity goals during the New Year, to lead healthier lifestyles (53%) and exercise more regularly (52%), more than a quarter (38%) of respondents expect to give up on their resolutions before the end of January and more than 90% are unlikely to make it to or past the six month mark.

The findings, from a 'New Year, New You' survey, conducted by Fitness First, asked 1,502 Australians nationwide about their attitudes and commitments towards New Year's resolutions. The survey found that very few Australians (9%) are actually confident they will stick to their goals with too much effort (56%) and not enough time (42%) being the top two factors blamed for people breaking their resolutions.

The release of the survey marks the re-launch of Fitness First's 'New You Achievement Awards' to celebrate the company's new brand transformation while motivating people to achieve their health and fitness goals for the New Year.

As Fitness First Australia Head of Fitness Rob Hale explains "our survey found that having companionship to motivate them and setting more specific goals are two of the biggest factors that people believe will help them stick to their resolutions.

"That's why this year, along with our new brand and improved member experiences, we are introducing the New Member category to our existing award categories of Health, Sport, Strength and Shape for the Fitness First New You Achievement Awards."

New members who join Fitness First by 28th February 2014 are eligible to enter the New You Awards by pledging their goal online. This will give them six months to achieve their goals and submit their transformation stories in time for the official Awards registration for a chance to win the grand prize worth up to $35,000.

Hale adds "the new category was designed to help our members be more specific in their fitness goals and gives them a deadline to achieve it.

"We will help our members keep track of their goals throughout the six months (and) we are also encouraging members to share their journey and words of encouragement for each other via the Fitness First Facebook page and will be running a social media competition to encourage participation.

"It is extremely important to help our members understand that they have access to a community of support every step of the way on their fitness journey."

The New You Achievement Awards were introduced in 2008 to recognise the health and fitness triumphs of Fitness First members. The objective is to share the inspiring journey of the finalists in order to create a positive impact on the lives of others.

Samantha Barlow, the overall winner of the 2011 New You Achievement Awards, added "it's an honour to have my story shared with others who are in need of motivation to bring about changes to their lives."

Samantha was almost killed in a brutal attack while on her way to work at Kings Cross Police Station in May 2009. Her chances of recovery was deemed next to none and faced years of rehabilitation and therapy after her attack.

However, with the help of the team at Fitness First Cronulla and her "never give up" attitude, she has since been able to participate in several athletic events and reached the fitness level equal to that of a professional athlete.

Samantha concluded "I know that one of the toughest things with making a change is maintaining the drive to keep on going. Based on medical experts, I had little chance of recovery to live my life normally.

"However, after almost two years of 24/7 commitment, I proved them all wrong! Exercise was the cornerstone of my recovery both mentally and physical and I wouldn't have been able to do it without the encouragement from my family, friends and the trainers at Fitness First.

"Hopefully my perseverance and journey to reclaim the life that was forcibly taken from me will help provide some guidance to others

http://fitnessfirst.com.au/newyou