01/01/2026

New years Resolutions: How to stay active without getting injured!

New year resolutions are great for providing surges of motivation for trying new activities and setting yourself personal goals. These, in turn, are brilliant for improving both your physical health and your mental health. Generally, the more active, the fitter and healthier you will be.

However, sudden increases in activities can lead to injury.

Why?

• Sudden overload of your soft tissues or joints. Or in other words, “too much, too soon” e.g. lifting a weight that is too heavy or setting a hike which is much harder than normal

• Old injuries resurfacing if you haven’t fully recovered e.g. muscle strains, knee osteoarthritis or tendon problems

• Trying new activities may lead to poor form

• Setting unrealistic goals

How do you stay motivated and Injury-free?

Essentially it comes down to the basics. Boring! But they are still correct!

Make sure you start gradually with building up your frequency and intensity and do not push into new pain.

Schedule recovery and rest days to avoid overuse and variety is key.

If you have concerns about technique, get some early advice and if you start with a new or flaring up injury, seek help sooner rather than later. As the more chronic issues become, the trickier they can be to improve.

James Dunnachie