The start of a new year is the perfect time to set fresh goals and focus on your health and wellbeing.
Whether you are just beginning your fitness journey or looking to build on the progress you made in 2025, these simple yet powerful resolution ideas can help you make 2026 your healthiest year yet.
Try to include at least 30 minutes of movement in your daily routine. This could be a brisk walk before work, a gym session in the afternoon or a group fitness class that gives you both energy and enjoyment. Regular movement not only supports your physical health but also boosts your mood and helps manage stress.
Strength training is one of the most effective ways to improve your overall fitness. Building muscle supports your metabolism, strengthens your joints and bones, reduces the risk of injury and contributes to greater confidence. Aim for at least two strength focused sessions each week and remember that simple bodyweight exercises are a great place to start.
Healthy eating does not have to be overwhelming. Small, consistent changes such as adding extra vegetables to your meals, drinking enough water throughout the day and reducing your intake of highly processed foods can make a noticeable difference. Nutritious choices help fuel your workouts, support recovery and keep you feeling energised.
Goal setting works best when your targets are achievable and tailored to your lifestyle. Start with manageable changes and gradually build from there. The key is consistency, and recognising your progress along the way can keep you motivated long term.
Recovery is a crucial part of any fitness routine. Incorporating stretching, mobility exercises and rest days helps your body adapt to your training and prevents burnout. When you allow yourself proper recovery time, you improve your performance and reduce the likelihood of setbacks.
Training with a friend is a great way to stay motivated and accountable. Having someone to share the experience with can make your sessions more enjoyable and encourage you to stick with your goals. It is also a meaningful way to connect socially while improving your health.
Creating a clear and consistent fitness routine removes the guesswork and helps build momentum. A structured plan supports sustainable habits and makes it easier to stay on track throughout the year.
Keep an eye out for something exciting arriving in January at your local PCYC Gym that will provide guidance, structure and the confidence to begin your fitness journey with purpose!
Shaun is known for being one of the most friendly and approachable people in the gym at PCYC Deception Bay. He is also a Member Services Officer at three PCYC Clubs: PCYC Deception Bay, PCYC Redcliffe and PCYC Sandgate!
I have been a member for a very long time! But I have really committed to the amazing 8-week challenge with my best friend!
I love the PCYC Deception Bay gym equipment. It has everything I need and enough variety for my training.
My fitness goals at the moment are to look good, get fit, keep coming and smash the 8 week challenge!
My favourite workout at the is DAY 6 Upper Body (Push & Pull). I loved learning new movements I haven’t done before.
My favourite workout at the is DAY 6 Upper Body (Push & Pull). I loved learning new movements I haven’t done before.
Discover PCYC Deception Bay or view the gym timetable.
Kae describes herself as a lifelong learner at heart! Whether it’s in her nursing studies or through the amazing people she meets at the gym, her journey as a dog mum or from her interactions with her partner, Kae learns new things every day.
I’ve been with PCYC for just over a year now. My journey begun at PCYC Townsville as a Fundamentals Gymnastics Coach. I moved to PCYC Mackay and have been their Gym and Fitness Officer since March this year.
My fascination in human anatomy combined with the love for fitness and helping others led me to become a trainer at PCYC Mackay. I love having the ability to create a safe, welcoming space for people to connect and stay active.
Not at the moment, but I never say no to a good challenge when it comes along.
My Fit & 50s class is my favourite Activ8 Group Training class to teach.
Staying active has become a part of who I am, and I am most proud of that. It keeps me feeling strong, balanced and motivated throughout all areas of my life.
Be sure to celebrate every win – even the small ones.
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Kerry has been awarded the member of the month for coming to every group training class possible with a beautiful smile and always putting in 200%.
This time around, I have only been a member for 2 months. I was a long-time member 10+ years ago when classes were abundant.
PCYC Emerald is so good for our whole community, the young (but also the not so young). It provides a safe, non-intimidating place with a friendly atmosphere to come and workout (or not), feel included and supported, make new friends, have a chat and go home feeling better. With numerous programs for all ages, the price is affordable, gym is 24 hours, very, very clean with fantastic new equipment. I am so happy they run classes again! Bonus! Love them! I feel grateful to be part of a like-minded community. Thank you to all the amazing staff and volunteers for all that you do.
I have always played sport and tried to stay active, but it’s even more important as we age for bone density, mental and physical stability, weight management, immunity and general well-being (and keeping up with the grandkids). I have never been much of a gym person, but I absolutely love classes, so thank you for bringing them back!
Michelle is such a kind person and an amazing trainer with a wealth of knowledge. Thank you, Michelle, you have been a life saver.
My aim is to lose the flab and be more toned to feel comfortable within myself. Keep my body and mind fit.
Classes, classes, classes!! Especially strength and boxing.
Discover PCYC Emerald or view the gym timetable.
The holiday season is here!
Christmas is all about joy, family, and celebration – but it doesn’t have to mean abandoning your health goals.
Here’s how to enjoy the festivities while staying on track.
Christmas tables are often loaded with rich dishes and sugary treats. Try these simple swaps and tips:
Smart Plate Strategy
Enjoy Festive, Healthy Sides
Dessert Upgrades
Mindful Eating Tips
Impress your guests with this Fruity Christmas Tree
Recipe and image provided by Woolworths.
Ingredients (serves 8 people)
Method
Step 1
To create the tree’s internal structure, cut slices from apple ends, so it sits flat on a round board.
Step 2
Carve out a 3cm-deep hole in apple wide enough to fit carrot top. Don’t carve all the way through.
Step 3
Sit the carrot into the apple and swivel until it sits firmly in the apple.
Step 4
Use a metal skewer to poke holes into the carrot at different heights. Cut wooden skewers into different sized lengths, then stick into holes (longer ones towards the base of the tree, and small ones towered on the top).
Step 5
Stud skewers with fruit, as desired. Note: We used green grapes, kiwifruit (cut into halves and quarters, with some flesh pieces cut into star shapes), hulled strawberries and watermelon (cut into star shapes).
Fitness Gift Ideas
Looking for the perfect present for the active person in your life? Here are some ideas:
Budget-Friendly (Under $50)
Mid-Range (Under $100)
Splurge Gifts
Charlie loves both bodybuilding training and watching bodybuilding as a sport! He also enjoys talking with people on how to improve their hypertrophy training.
I started at PCYC Queensland a little over a year ago, in October 2024.
When starting my fitness journey, I was met with a lot of positive influences in my gym that helped me work towards my goals. I wish to be a positive influence on those who are starting out also and wish to help as many people see the benefits of all exercise!
I am currently doing basic high intensity cardio and hypertrophy training to keep the joints and muscles active. Getting bigger and stronger is always a positive also.
Fusion is one of my favourite classes to run. It’s always met with some anguish and complaints by the participants, but they always persevere and come out stronger and grateful after the session (they secretly love it too!)
My favourite moments are doing the fundamental classes at PCYC Gladstone. Seeing beginners come through and get comfortable and confident while training within the gym is always a highlight.
Study anatomy and human biomechanics. These skills are extremely valuable and can help bolster your arsenal when teaching exercises along with progression and regression of movements.
Discover PCYC Gladstone or view the gym timetable.
Staff member Susanna says she’s like Peter Pan – a kid on the inside. And although she’s 100% Italian, she admits she’s not a fan of cheese!
I started at PCYC Logan in November 2022 as Rhythmic Gymnastics Coach. After a couple of months, I also started the role as Senior Leader for the Little n Active program. I worked as much as I could while pregnant, then my baby arrived!
After a year’s break, I started at PCYC Beenleigh in November 2024 as a Fitness Instructor, and later on I had the opportunity to be a Senior Leader again the for Little n Active program here at Beenleigh – so I am currently doing double roles!
I’ve always worked with my body as I was a professional dancer and through movement, I can express my personality better than words.
When I arrived in Australia in 2018, I wanted to study to improve my English, so I decided to go for the Fitness Industry to learn more about the body and the benefits of training.
I am currently doing the Activ8 8 Week Challenge, and I am super happy because I feel much better than I did a few months ago. Also, I am going for at least a 30 minute walk every day. My goal is to strengthen my upper body and see some biceps!
Fit & 50!! So much fun, people are lovely, and we became a family. It feels like I am not working at all! Just love it!
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Trent has a friendly personality and is very motivated at our gyms.
A quick fun fact: he has a friend from reception that trains with him!
I have been a member for 3 months now!
I love training with my buddy Jacob, who’s the Member Services Officer at PCYC Deception Bay! I have started the Activ8 8 Week Challenge, and the team has really motivated me to complete the challenge!
My goals are to stay fit and active, keeping the motivation and want to challenge myself by currently taking part in the Activ8 8 Week Challenge.
As I’m doing the challenge, the exercises in the ‘Day Two (Pull Exercises)’ have been my favourite!
My favourite piece of equipment is the Bicep Curl Machine. I love the way it properly shows the work for it and stability.
Discover PCYC Deception Bay or view the gym timetable.
There are many gym and fitness misconceptions out there. Let’s explore some of the most common ones.
Doing sit ups will give you abs
This is one of the most popular fitness myths around. Many people believe that doing endless sit-ups will help them lose belly fat, or that leg exercises will melt fat off their thighs.
Unfortunately, the body doesn’t work that way.
Spot reduction, the idea that you can lose fat from a specific area by exercising that part of the body, has been repeatedly disproven by research.
When you exercise, your body draws energy (calories) from overall fat stores, not just from the area you’re targeting. This means that while abdominal exercises strengthen and build the muscles underneath, they won’t directly burn the fat covering them.
To achieve visible abs or to define any muscle group the key is reducing overall body fat through a calorie deficit.
This means consuming fewer calories than your body burns over time. The principle is simple: calories in vs. calories out. Your body burns calories through three main components:
Together, these make up your Total Daily Energy Expenditure (TDEE) – the total number of calories you burn in a day. There are many reliable TDEE calculators available online to estimate your daily calorie needs. By comparing your calorie intake to your TDEE, you can adjust your diet to create a sustainable deficit for fat loss or a surplus for muscle gain. In short, if you want visible abs, focus on nutrition, consistency, and total-body training, not just endless crunches.
Strength training, cardio, and a balanced diet all work together to help you reveal the muscle definition you’re building underneath.
Cardiovascular exercise is the best way to lose weight
While cardio workouts such as running, cycling, or rowing are excellent for improving heart health and burning calories, they are not the only or even the most effective methods for long-term fat loss. Relying solely on cardio can lead to plateaus and even loss of muscle mass if not paired with strength training and proper nutrition.
Strength training plays a crucial role in sustainable weight loss. Unlike cardio, which primarily burns calories during the workout itself, strength training creates a higher afterburn effect (known as excess post-exercise oxygen consumption or EPOC). This means your body continues to burn calories for hours even up to 72 hours after you’ve finished exercising, as it works to repair and rebuild muscle tissue.
Building lean muscle also increases your resting metabolic rate the number of calories your body burns at rest. The more muscle you have, the more energy your body requires daily, which helps make maintaining a healthy weight easier in the long run.
For best results, combine consistent strength training with moderate amounts of cardio and a balanced, nutrient-dense diet. Focus on whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains, while keeping overall movement high throughout your day (like walking, stretching, or taking the stairs).
By blending all these elements, you’ll not only burn fat more efficiently but also build a stronger, more resilient body — one that looks and feels healthy well beyond the number on the scale.
Lifting weights makes you bulky
The reality is that building large, bulky muscles takes years of intentional, heavy training combined with a calorie surplus.
Most people and particularly women simply don’t have the natural levels of testosterone or anabolic hormones required to gain large muscle mass easily.
Instead, strength training helps shape and define your body, not make it bigger. It reduces body fat, improves muscle tone, and gives that “tight and lean” look many people aim for. When you lift weights you increase lean muscle mass, which boosts your resting metabolism, meaning you burn more calories even while resting. Your posture improves as well as your overall strength, making everyday movements easier and reducing injury risk.
Ironically, avoiding weights for fear of getting “big” can lead to slower fat loss and a softer look because muscle is what gives the body a toned appearance. So rather than making you bulky, lifting weights is one of the best tools for creating a strong, lean, and healthy physique.
Angela (known as Ang) loves fun hair and funky earrings, as bright colours make her happy!
I joined the PCYC Townsville team in November 2024.
During my own fitness journey, I experienced firsthand how much my general health and fitness impacted my daily life and mental health. The healthier I got, the more energy I had and the better my outlook on life. I studied to be a fitness trainer because I wanted to share that experience with others.
Not anything in particular! I am currently just working on improving my overall health.
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