RED January fitness program puts fun ahead of stern resolutions

Are we far enough into January that our 2024 fitness resolutions are beginning to wobble?

Maybe this is the year to acknowledge that we aren't to blame. Maybe resolutions themselves are the problem.  

That was Hannah Beecham's insight back in 2016. The U.K. woman noticed that her mother's mental health was suffering, so she started taking daily walks with her. That simple action boosted her mother's spirits and fitness, and Rise Every Day, aka RED January, was born.

Eight years later, more than 200,000 Britons have taken part in the national public health campaign. There are no lofty resolutions, no doomed-to-fail goals; just a notion to get moving in an enjoyable way each day.

Canada is the first country outside the U.K. to get on board the month-long movement for mental and physical health.

RED January stands on two simple pillars. First, lasting gains are more likely if you enjoy what you're doing. Anything goes, as long as you move your body each day in a way that's your idea of fun. If running, swimming, or weights are not your bag, RED's inclusive spirit suggests walking to the store, vacuuming with vigour, turning up the radio and busting some dance moves. It's all good. It's all movement. It all counts.

Second, try to rope in a partner. Getting others to join you in this month of movement doesn't just boost your own chances of success. Companionship of any kind works wonders for mental health.

"There's such a huge disconnect between how people are being sold what physical activity is, or what counts, versus what really counts," Janet Omstead, director of RED January Canada, said. "People think it has to be hard or it has to hurt. 

"We know how athletes train, but that's  0.1 per cent of the population. The