It’s 2026, and many people are ready to make changes for a healthier life. Recent research from Finder shows that 15.5 million Australians have set New Year’s resolutions, with the most popular goals being to improve fitness and eat healthier.
Personal trainer Gerard Majda shared valuable insight with Yahoo Lifestyle. He explained the common pitfall people face: diving in too fast with diets. “People often think ‘new year, new me’ and drastically cut calories,” he said. This strategy usually lasts only a couple of weeks. A survey by MyFitnessPal found that 77% of Australians didn’t keep their resolutions past January last year. Shockingly, one in five abandoned their goals in the first week.
Gerard emphasized the importance of setting realistic and sustainable goals. Instead of extreme diets, focus on what you can maintain throughout the year. Consistency, he noted, is crucial for successful weight loss. If you only follow strict short-term plans, you’ll likely regain the weight once you return to regular eating.
Fitness needs a similar approach. New workout routines should be manageable, as overwhelming schedules can lead to burnout. To really stick to your health goals, make sure they fit into your lifestyle.
A survey by Finder revealed the top resolutions for 2026:
- Improve fitness: 32%
- Eat healthier: 30%
- Sleep better: 19%
- Be more sustainable: 12%
- Achieve a better work-life balance: 9%
- Renovate my house: 7%
- Change my job: 7%
- Take more risks: 7%
Beyond health, many Australians are also focused on their finances. The ongoing cost-of-living crisis is a significant concern. Finder’s research found that 18.5 million people have set financial goals for the year.
Over half (53%) want to save more, and 32% aim to spend less. Seven percent hope to buy a home, while 5% aspire to save enough for a deposit.
Rebecca, a financial expert, explains that taking control of money matters doesn’t have to be daunting. She suggests starting by identifying and cutting unnecessary expenses, like unused subscriptions. It’s also wise to evaluate essential bills, such as home loans or insurance, to ensure you’re not overpaying. Little adjustments, like reducing your home loan interest rate, can lead to substantial savings.
In summary, whether it’s personal health or financial goals, setting realistic plans is key to making lasting changes. Emphasizing sustainability over quick fixes can bring more significant results in the long run.
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Yahoo Lifestyle, Gerard Majda, New Year's resolution
