The start of the new year is when many people vow to make big changes in their lives.
But too often people aren’t able to achieve their goals.
And Denise Austin gave one surprising reason why New Year’s resolutions fail.
Denise Austin reveals how to succeed in making life changes
Denise Austin has spent nearly four decades helping people get fit with aerobics and cardio exercising.
She’s released dozens of workout videos and had exercise shows on ESPN and the Lifetime Network.
The start of 2025 means that millions of Americans are trying to achieve New Year’s resolution goals like getting healthier and fit.
Austin said that most people fail to achieve their fitness goals because they try to do too much too fast.
Starting small and building from there was the key to having real success according to Austin.
“Make it easy on you,” Austin explained. “It’s so difficult for you, if you’re joining a gym, you know, it might take you a drive to get there. These are obstacles in your way, so make it easy on you. And that’s why I love walking. I love doing home workouts. I think they work into everyone’s convenience. Make it convenient.”
“Otherwise, you won’t do it,” Austin added.
Big changes come from small habits
Austin said that people should create “little habits” that they know they’ll be able to follow through with.
She is a big believer in starting off the day strong.
“Make those stick because it always starts with kind of that morning routine,” Austin said. “And I’m a big believer in a great morning routine. It kind of sets your day. You feel better. So, think about how easy you’re going to make your day by starting off with just a 20-minute walk.”
Austin starts her day off with a walk to help get her going.
“I always start my day with a good walk. You feel that sunshine,” Austin stated. “It’s good vitamin D no matter what the weather is. Just get out there and do 20 minutes. You will feel so much better. Your energy level will explode during the day, and you’ll feel great about yourself, too. It gives you that kind of extra momentum for the week.”
She starts her day with the same routine she’s used for decades.
“I wake up and have my coffee,” Austin said. “I still read the newspaper. I’m old school. And I then begin with the 30-minute routine.”
Austin exercises for 30 minutes because she knows that’s an achievable goal for her.
“That way, I have kind of that mental mindset for the day to eat healthier because I just gave it my all for 30 minutes,” Austin explained.
She argued the key to becoming healthier was doing the small things because they will add up.
“The key thing to me, I always tell people, start small,” Austin said. “Just do 10 minutes or 20 minutes. Drink lots of water. Try to eat whole foods from now on. If you can start your New Year’s resolutions, eating really healthy. Get rid of some of those processed foods as much as you can and make food for yourself.”
Austin recommended swapping out seed oils like canola oil for olive oil.
“Doing these little things goes a long way,” Austin stated. “Also, I’m a true believer in getting out in the morning sun. That really helps you. Even if it’s for 10 minutes, it really makes you feel better and improves your mood, and it really suppresses depression.”
Doing the small things can set the table for big changes.