Unfortunately, it is also the time of year when those resolutions get put on the backburner because of injuries at the gym.
ACC recorded 61,231 claims for fitness training and gym-related injuries across New Zealand in 2024, costing the taxpayer $63.5 million.
Among the highest claimants for injury were Otago gym buffs, with 3218 injury claims costing $3.6m and up until October last year, they accounted for 2467 injury claims, costing $2.7m.
Soft tissue injuries (59,042) were the most common claims, and 752 people had a fracture or dislocation.
The lower back/spine was the most commonly injured site (14,933), followed by the shoulder (11,721) and knee (6712).
"It can be tempting to jump right back into intense training, but going too hard, too soon, might increase your risk of injury," injury prevention leader James Whitaker said.
The start of the year was the perfect time to sit down, set some goals and write down the steps it will take to achieve them, he said.
Mr Whitaker said completing a dynamic warm-up before attempting to lift any heavy weights or to hit pace on the treadmill, was also a good idea.
"Done correctly, warming up and cooling down will help reduce your risk of injury and improve your athletic performance overall.
"Focus on large muscle groups and do exercises specific to the workout you are going to be doing.
"Start at a low, slow pace and slowly build in speed and intensity.
"Warming up and cooling down only adds a few minutes to your exercise routine, but significantly lowers the stress on your body, reducing muscle soreness and risk of injury.
"We want all New Zealanders to be living active, healthy lifestyles," he said.
"A preventable injury shouldn’t get in the way of that."
