Here’s to 2026

December 22, 2025

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Happy New Year!!! I hope 2026 is your healthiest, strongest, fittest year yet. I read this the other day, from my hero, Arnold and I could not have said it better, so here is some new year motivation from the man himself:

“Monday Motivation
People ask me every day how to stay motivated. It just happened again this week on Twitter, and my answer seemed to surprise people, so I want to talk to all of you.
I want to give the cold, hard truth to my readers who are always searching for motivation.
Here is the truth, and I’ve been saying it for decades: Motivation is a terrible plan.
It feels powerful. It feels exciting. But it burns fast, and then it’s gone. And the data proves it.
Studies show that about 50% of people who start a workout routine quit within 3 months.
By 6 months, that number climbs closer to 60 to 70 percent. By one year, only about 20% of people who start exercising are still consistent.
Now look at dieting.
So stats suggest that more than 80% of people who lose weight through dieting regain it. A large percentage regain all of it, and many regain more than they lost within 1 to 3 years. That’s why the average person doesn’t just stay overweight — they slowly gain weight over time.
If motivation worked, this would not be happening.
Now look at “quick transformations.” The fitness industry loves selling 30-day plans, 6-week challenges, and quick fixes. 
But research shows that short-term programs have the highest dropout rates and the worst long-term results.
People sprint, burn out, and disappear. This is not because people are weak. It’s because they were taught the wrong strategy.
Motivation is short-term fuel. Routine is the only fuel that lasts.
First: You show up even when you don’t want to. Especially when you don’t want to. Those days matter more than the easy ones.
Second: This does not end. There is no finish line. There is no “I’m done now.” This is not a 30-day transformation. This is not a summer challenge.
This is a life transformation. The data backs this up, too.
People who focus on long-term habits instead of short-term goals are dramatically more likely to maintain weight loss and fitness gains.
People who attach their identity to routine — “this is just what I do” — are far more consistent than people chasing motivation.
I want you to ask yourself two questions to really get your head around this:
All the times I started to work out or diet, and I relied on motivation, how did it end?Every time I told myself there was a finish line — “I’ll lose 20 pounds by March” — what happened after I got to the finish line?
If your answers are what I expect, I want you to remind yourself of the old saying that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and again, expecting different results.
 
Routine > Motivation
No finish lines, your routine is for life.
I don’t promise magic.
I don’t promise it will be fast.
I don’t promise it will be easy.
I do promise that if you build a routine, and you show up even when you don’t want to, and you accept that your finish journey has no ending, you will win.
You don’t win by being perfect. You win by being consistent.
Motivation might get you started. But routine is what changes your life.
That’s the Pump Club way. And it’s the only way that actually works.
You have everything to gain and nothing to lose. This time, let’s change your life for good. We’ve got your back. 
Bet on yourself, and win big.”   In full disclosure, I have been a member of The Pump Club and worked out to its programming daily since June and I have never been fitter or stronger.