Article 01 | Beyond January Intentions: Training Progress That Lasts

The New Year is full of good intentions.

February is where commitment is tested.

When progress stalls, it’s rarely motivation that’s missing — it’s structure and sustainability.

If you want your training to progress, three things matter:

1. Assessment

Assessment isn’t about testing how fit or strong you are.

It’s about understanding what will realistically allow you to continue.

A useful assessment looks at:

• Your training history — what you’ve done before, what you’ve enjoyed, and what hasn’t worked

• Your current routine and how training fits around business, work, family, friends and other commitments

• Enjoyment  — whether training is something you look forward to or something you feel you should do

• Recovery and energy levels, not just how hard sessions feel

• Patterns of inconsistency from previous attempts, and what caused them

When assessment focuses on behaviour and sustainability, training becomes more realistic. From there, options might include simplifying training, adjusting frequency or intensity, occasionally trying different studios or training environments, or working with a coach for more personalised support.

2. Understand what a good training environment is

Training environments shape behaviour, motivation, and long-term progress. Beyond equipment and space, a good training environment:

• Provides a structured programme with clear progression, rather than randomness

• Encourages proper technique, appropriate scaling, and ongoing skill development

• Fosters a sense of community that is supportive and encouraging

• Recognises the importance of recovery, rather than a constant push for intensity

• Allows for feedback to guide improvement

Without these elements, motivation can decline, leading to inconsistent attendance.

3. Build

Progress is built gradually. That means:

• Developing a well-rounded fitness base that includes strength, conditioning, flexibility, agility, and recovery — not as separate goals, but as connected parts of effective training

• Increasing your understanding of movement and skill development, alongside learning how to manage effort and energy systems to build capacity rather than fatigue

• Taking time to recognise progress, achievement, and growing confidence to reinforce consistency and motivation

• Introducing new challenges or goals, such as events like Hyrox, Athx Games or a half marathon to provide focus, structure, and a clear way to apply training

  
  

When these elements are connected, training becomes more sustainable, purposeful, and effective.

February isn’t about starting again — it’s about refining how you train so progress becomes something you can sustain.