Discover how to build lasting habits, stay active, and embrace a fresh start in 2025. Join activities like the HOKA ‘Take Flight’ Challenge to kick off the New Year with energy and purpose, and stay excited for the year ahead.
The weeks surrounding the New Year are a wonderful time to reflect on the highs and lows of the past year and set your sights on everything you want to achieve in the year ahead. Whether you’re looking to crush fitness goals, build healthier habits, or simply feel more energized, the first few weeks or months of a year are the ultimate fresh start.
We all know the thrill of starting something new: lacing up a sleek, unused pair of running shoes or stepping into the gym with a shiny new membership card, ready to take on the world. But that initial burst of excitement in early January doesn’t always last. Research tells us that 23% of people abandon their resolutions after just one week, and by the end of January, 43% have called it quits.
But that doesn’t have to be your story. This year, you can channel the New Year’s momentum to build a routine that sticks. With a little guidance, a clear plan, and the right mindset, you can make this year the one where you embrace movement, health, and energy like never before. And with HOKA’s support and gear, including their Take Flight Challenge, we’re here to help you stay on track – one step, pedal, stroke, or stride at a time.
Let’s dive into how to make this happen.
Start the Year Strong: The HOKA Take Flight Challenge
Here’s your chance to kick off the New Year with a bang. From January 1 – 7, HOKA is teaming up with Strava for the Take Flight Challenge. The goal? Log three activities of your choice – whether you’re breezing through the trails, gliding along the pavements, getting your groove back in the gym, or maybe you’re just enjoying a post-holiday season walk. Golf? Rock Climbing? Racquetball? Go ahead.
Find Your ‘Why’
The New Year brings a sense of possibility, but sticking to your goals during winter’s dark and dreary days can be tough. On days when curling up under a warm blanket feels much more appealing than hitting the gym or heading outdoors, one thing can keep you going: knowing your ‘why.’
Take a moment to ask yourself: Why do you want to move more? Is it to stay healthy and strong? To keep creating memories with your kids on family hikes? To stay independent and active as you get older? To feel more confident? Or maybe to feel energized at work every day and finally land that promotion? Your reason – your ‘why’ – is the fuel that will keep you going when the couch and a warm blanket are calling your name. Keep your ‘why’ front and center.
And don’t forget the incredible benefits of staying active. Regular movement doesn’t just build stronger muscles and bones – it also boosts your mood, sharpens your mind, improves sleep, and reduces stress. Pair your personal motivation with these physical and psychological perks, and you have a recipe for success in every part of your life.
Research tells us that 23% of people abandon their resolutions after just one week, and by the end of January, 43% have called it quits.
Build Habits That Stick
Once you have understood your motivation, the next step is turning movement into habit. Building a habit takes time and effort, but, with the right approach, you can make it happen.
Structured challenges or group activities like HOKA’s ‘Take Flight’ are a great way to get started. They give you a sense of community, accountability, and that satisfying feeling of accomplishment once you’ve completed them. That boost can carry you far beyond January, setting the foundation for an active and energized year ahead.
Now that we have our bases covered, let’s dive into some practical tried-and-true tips to keep you moving through the year:
Set manageable goals: Start small and build gradually to avoid burnout. Day 1 can be a five-minute walk/jog or a single push up.
Stay consistent: Focus on small, daily actions that make movement a habit. Stretch while you watch a movie or take the stairs instead of the elevator.
Create a support system: Surround yourself with a support system – whether that’s friends, family, or a community like HOKA on Strava. Encouragement makes all the difference.
Celebrate milestones: Every milestone matters. Acknowledge your progress along the way and reward yourself with little treats, like drawing a hot bath or indulging (a little bit) in your favorite chocolate.
These small steps add up to big results, helping you stay motivated and enjoy the journey all year long.
Your reason – your ‘why’ – is the fuel that will keep you going when the couch and a warm blanket are calling your name. Keep your ‘why’ front and center.
Another valuable asset to keep you motivated, and training comfortably and safely during winter's cold, dark, and damp conditions is having the right gear. That’s why we’ve teamed up with HOKA to spotlight some of their top shoes, apparel, and accessories designed to help keep you moving confidently through the season.
When wet weather strikes, your running shoes can make all the difference. HOKA’s waterproof Clifton 9 GORE-TEX road shoes are built to keep your feet dry and steady, no matter the forecast. With reliable traction pods for slippery surfaces and 360-degree reflectivity to enhance visibility on dark days, these shoes help you face winter head-on.
To keep your ears warm when the chill sets in, the ColdSnap Fleece Headband from HOKA is a perfect solution. Its soft brushed fleece and snug fit offer full ear coverage, making it ideal for walks, runs, or bike rides on frosty mornings.
For those who train before sunrise or after sunset, staying visible is crucial. HOKA’s Skyflow Viz Jacket is designed with reflective detailing for low-light conditions, plus it’s made from noise-free fabric for a distraction-free experience. The quick-adjust bungee hood cord ensures a snug fit without fuss, so you can focus on your activity, not your gear.
These are just a few ways HOKA’s winter-ready gear can help you stay warm, dry, and visible while staying active this season. Explore more of their cold-weather essentials and keep moving, no matter what winter throws your way.
Your Roadmap to a Successful 2025
With all of this in mind, we’re suggesting the following game plan for the New Year:
You’ve signed up for the HOKA Take Flight Challenge
You know your ‘why’
You have a heap of practical tips and tricks up your sleeve
You’re wearing weather-ready gear
You’re ready to crush the challenge, carrying that momentum into a year of energy, movement, and growth
In other words, you’re perfectly set up for a year (and more) of activity, health, and fun.
Are you ready to take the first step?
Join the Challenge
To kick start 2025 with a bang and stay motivated during winter and beyond, HOKA is encouraging Strava athletes to log three activities – of your choice – in its Take Flight Challenge, which runs from January 1 - 7.
Complete the challenge to receive a Take Flight profile badge and the chance to win a year’s supply of HOKA shoes.
Written by
Fabienne Lang
