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Start Your Fitness Journey Now: Don't Wait for 2026

  //health-fitness.news-articles.net/content/2026/ .. our-fitness-journey-now-don-t-wait-for-2026.html
  Published in Health and Fitness on Friday, January 2nd 2026 at 16:44 GMT by KUTV
      Locale: Utah, UNITED STATES

Don’t Wait Until 2026: Three Easy Exercises to Build Momentum Towards Your Fitness Goals Now

The allure of a fresh start is powerful, and many people tie their fitness aspirations to the beginning of a new year. But what if you could build momentum now, setting yourself up for success when 2026 rolls around? KUTV’s “Fresh Living” segment recently highlighted three simple exercises designed to do just that – get you moving, build foundational strength, and cultivate healthy habits without overwhelming your routine. The key takeaway isn't about achieving peak performance immediately; it's about consistent effort and building a sustainable fitness foundation.

According to KUTV’s report, featuring certified personal trainer Sarah Johnson, the exercises are accessible to almost anyone, regardless of current fitness level. They focus on compound movements – those that work multiple muscle groups simultaneously – maximizing efficiency and calorie burn for minimal time investment. The emphasis is on proper form over intensity, a crucial point often overlooked by beginners eager to see immediate results.

1. The Squat: Your Foundation for Strength & Mobility

The first exercise highlighted is the squat. Johnson emphasizes that squats are more than just leg exercises; they engage your core, glutes, and even back muscles, contributing to overall strength and stability. A proper squat isn't about going as low as possible; it’s about maintaining good form. The KUTV segment demonstrates a modified squat, starting with feet shoulder-width apart, toes slightly outward. Lowering down as if sitting into a chair, keeping your back straight and chest up, is the goal. Johnson recommends aiming for a depth where your thighs are parallel to the ground (or as far as comfortable while maintaining good form).

The benefits of squats extend beyond muscle building. They improve mobility in hips and ankles, which can be particularly beneficial as we age. Poor hip mobility is increasingly common due to sedentary lifestyles, and regular squatting can help counteract this. While the KUTV segment doesn't delve into specific variations, resources like those found on websites dedicated to fitness (like Bodybuilding.com) detail numerous squat modifications for different skill levels – from box squats for beginners needing assistance to pistol squats for advanced athletes.

Johnson suggests starting with 3 sets of 8-12 repetitions, focusing on controlled movements and breathing properly (inhaling as you lower, exhaling as you rise). As strength increases, the number of reps or sets can be gradually increased.

2. The Push-Up: Upper Body Power & Core Engagement

Next up is the push-up, a classic exercise for building upper body strength and engaging your core. Johnson acknowledges that full push-ups can be challenging for many, so she demonstrates modifications to make them accessible. These include performing push-ups against a wall or on an elevated surface (like a sturdy bench or countertop). The higher the surface, the easier the exercise becomes.

The KUTV segment highlights the importance of maintaining a straight line from head to heels throughout the movement. This requires core engagement and proper form. Pushing through your chest and triceps, while keeping your elbows relatively close to your body (rather than flared out), is key for maximizing effectiveness and minimizing risk of injury.

Like squats, push-ups offer broader benefits. They improve posture, strengthen shoulder stabilizers, and contribute to overall functional strength – the kind you need for everyday activities like carrying groceries or playing with children. The American Council on Exercise (ACE) provides detailed information on proper push-up form and variations, reinforcing Johnson’s emphasis on technique over quantity.

Johnson recommends starting with 3 sets of as many repetitions as possible (AMRAP), focusing on quality over quantity. As strength improves, gradually lower the surface or attempt full push-ups.

3. The Bird Dog: Core Stability & Balance

The final exercise is the bird dog, a seemingly simple movement that’s incredibly effective for strengthening your core and improving balance. This exercise targets often-neglected muscles in the back and abdomen, contributing to spinal stability and injury prevention.

The KUTV segment demonstrates starting on your hands and knees, ensuring your wrists are aligned under your shoulders and your knees are hip-width apart. Simultaneously extending one arm forward and the opposite leg backward while maintaining a neutral spine is the core of the exercise. It’s crucial to avoid arching or rounding your back; imagine you have a glass of water on your lower back – you want to keep it from spilling.

The bird dog isn't just about strength; it also improves proprioception – your body’s awareness of its position in space. This is vital for preventing falls and improving athletic performance. Johnson emphasizes controlled movements, focusing on engaging the core muscles throughout the exercise.

She suggests starting with 3 sets of 8-12 repetitions per side, concentrating on maintaining balance and proper form. As you become more comfortable, you can increase the duration of each hold or add small weights to your arm and leg.

Building a Sustainable Fitness Routine

The KUTV segment’s message isn't just about these three exercises; it's about building a sustainable fitness routine that fits into your life now. Starting small, focusing on proper form, and gradually increasing intensity are key principles for long-term success. Waiting until 2026 to start can feel like a distant goal, but incorporating even short bursts of these simple exercises – just 15-20 minutes several times a week – can make a significant difference in your overall fitness level and set you on the path towards achieving those 2026 goals. Remember consistency is more important than intensity, especially when establishing new habits.

Disclaimer: Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new exercise program.