Enhancing Mobility: A Priority for 2026 Sally Anderson / Alamy
It’s that time of year again to set New Year’s resolutions. Last year, my mission was to complete a half marathon, a target I had attempted unsuccessfully multiple times before. I am thrilled to share that I achieved this in 2025, gaining valuable insights into the world of New Year’s fitness goals.
The most significant lesson I’ve learned is that establishing specific, measurable targets is incredibly effective. A year ago, I couldn’t claim to be a runner; in fact, running was something I dreaded. I could have easily set a vague goal like “start running” or “keep running,” but I realized that wouldn’t propel me forward.
Why is specificity key? Because enhancing fitness is challenging, especially at the outset. Each run in my early training felt equally daunting. Without a target like completing the race, it’s likely I would have settled for minimal effort.
That’s why the half marathon goal was essential for me. It kept my focus sharp during tough times and necessitated incorporating running into my regular workout schedule, regardless of my initial resistance. Today, I genuinely enjoy running and do it daily. This transformation has reinforced my belief in the efficacy of New Year’s fitness resolutions. While they may seem like annual goals, they can foster long-term habits. Notably, a 2020 study indicated that 55% of over 1,000 participants felt successful in maintaining their New Year resolutions a year later.
With that in mind, I am creatively approaching my 2026 fitness resolutions by focusing on a fundamental yet often neglected aspect of fitness: mobility. This refers to the body’s capability to move through its full range of motion—an essential element for preventing injuries. According to a 2019 analysis encompassing 20 studies, individuals exhibiting low mobility were approximately 50% more likely to sustain injuries compared to their more agile counterparts.
Further research appears to support this. One study conducted on more than 3,100 individuals found that enhanced flexibility considerably reduced mortality risk over 13 years. Similarly, a 2020 study demonstrated that consistent stretching decreases arterial stiffness, lowers heart rate, and contributes to better blood pressure.
In pursuit of this goal, I’ve made it my 2026 New Year’s resolution to master the splits. While this may appear comical, aiming for such a tangible and measurable achievement can significantly bolster your commitment to mobility practices.
Of course, mastering the splits isn’t suitable for everyone. The important takeaway is to select a goal that aligns with your fitness aspirations while being specific enough to recognize when you’ve achieved it. I encourage you to think innovatively. If your aim is to build strength, strive for unassisted pull-ups. Alternatively, for a longevity boost, focus on extending your capacity to balance on one leg. Ultimately, the key lies in setting clear goals with definite endpoints that provide a sense of accomplishment when attained.
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Grace Wade is a health reporter for New Scientist. Sign up for her newsletter, Get Healthier in 8 Weeks, at newscientist.com/healthier-you
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