Amid the sea of post-Dry January social invites and the lure of cosy evenings at home, the initial spark of gym motivation naturally tends to fizzle out around this time of year.

But instead of despairing at 'failing', now could be the time for a reassessment, now that life has settled back into its regular rhythm. Offering advice to City A.M. readers, Jenni Tardiff, a master trainer at the nationwide fitness chain The Gym Group, first asks: "Are your goals genuinely achievable? Have you made tangible progress?" She then recommends documenting visuals, through photos or measurements, to highlight your progress.

A survey by market researcher 3Gem also revealed that 37 per cent of London's gymgoers find more motivation when exercising with a friend. Scheduling workouts with a partner or pre-booking group exercise classes not only adds a social element but also reduces the likelihood of cancelling, so you aren't letting anyone down.

Jenni says: "Consistency is important for lasting fitness habits too. By integrating workouts into your weekly routine and treating them as nonnegotiable, you're more likely to uphold your commitment to your fitness journey.

Finally, surround yourself with uplifting influences, from workout buddies to inspirational social media accounts, and reignite your motivation.

(c) 2024 City A.M., source Newspaper