Did you know that January 9, 2026, is officially "National Quitters Day"? It’s that gloomy Friday when the holiday adrenaline wears off, and the reality of a Douglas County winter sets in.
It’s easy to stay motivated when the ball drops. It’s a lot harder when it’s pitch black at 5:00 PM and you have to wear 7 layers and scrape your windshield just to go to the gym. But this year, we aren’t letting the calendar or the cold win.
Here is how to stick to your goals well past January 9.
1. Focus on Inputs, Not Outputs
Resolutions like "lose 20 pounds" or "get biceps like Big Ole" are focused on outputs. You can’t 100% control those.
Focus on the input instead. Make your goal "Walk the indoor track at the Y for 20 minutes" or "Include a vegetable in every meal." You can control your behavior. If you focus on this, the results will follow!
2. Remove Any Friction Points
Make your habit as convenient as possible. If your routine has too much friction, you’ll stop.
The Fix: Audit your excuses.
- Too tired after work? Don't go home first. Once you hit that warm couch, you aren't coming back out. Pick a gym that's on your way home. Or, if it's possible, work out in the morning or over your lunch break instead.
- Don’t know what to do? A YMCA trainer would be happy to get you started with a routine that you can stick to.
- No time to cook? Don't overcomplicate it. Grab a steamable frozen veggie pack or a pre-made salad kit from Elden’s Fresh Foods on your way home. It’s quick, healthy, and keeps you on track.
3. Use the 2-Day Rule
Consistency is your best friend. If you miss a day because the roads were icy, that’s life. If you miss two days, you’re slipping into a new, inactive habit.
The Golden Rule: Never skip 2 days in a row. Even if it’s just a quick stretch, keep the streak alive.
4. Pre-Plan Your Adjustments
Life happens. Kids get the flu. We get a foot of snow and the plows haven't hit your road yet.
Have a "Code Red" backup plan ready.
If you can't drive to the Y safely, have an at-home substitute ready. Even just 25 push-ups in the living room or shoveling the driveway (with good form!) is better than doing nothing. Don't let a snow day derail your progress.
5. Make it Enjoyable and Social
Choose modes of exercise that you actually enjoy. Just because an influencer on Instagram is doing 100 burpees doesn’t mean you have to. Swimming, playing basketball, lifting, and group exercise classes are all great forms of exercise.
Bonus: The YMCA has a fitness center with state-of-the-art equipment, an indoor pool, and a full gymnasium so you can exercise your way.
Use social support. Go with a friend, join a class at the same time each week, or check in with a buddy or trainer by text.
Set up rewards. Small non-food rewards for streaks (e.g., 3 weeks of consistency = new workout top, water bottle, or a post-workout drink at Spark Nutrition.
National Quitters Day is just a date on a calendar, and you're not taking part in it this year.
Whether you're looking to lift, swim laps, or just find a warm place to move your body this winter, we’re here for you.
Stop by the front desk today. Let’s make 2026 the year you stick with it!