If your New Year's health and fitness pledges are already starting to waver, you are far from alone. New research has pinpointed Friday, 9 January 2026 as 'Quitters' Day' – the date when the majority of people are predicted to abandon their annual commitments.
The Psychology of Sticking to Your Goals
According to data from David Lloyd Clubs, a staggering 72% of Brits do not expect to keep their resolutions until the end of the year. The primary culprits for this failure include a lack of motivation (39%), exercise feeling like a chore (33%), and a simple lack of enjoyment (31%).
Fortunately, psychologist Dr Tara Quinn-Cirillo has identified the crucial missing ingredient for success: joy. She explains that adults who release their inhibitions and channel happiness are twice as likely to adhere to their wellbeing plans.
"When an activity feels enjoyable, repetition strengthens the expectation of a feel-good reward," Dr Quinn-Cirillo stated. "This creates a positive feedback loop that boosts motivation – making people far more likely to keep going over time."
Reintroducing Play with 'Kidulting' Fitness
This psychological insight has inspired a new fitness trend designed to combat the January slump. David Lloyd Clubs is trialling 'DL KIDULTING', a series of classes that reintroduce the joy of childhood play into adult workouts.
The sessions feature nostalgic, playground-inspired activities that deliver genuine physical and mental benefits. Championing the campaign is TV and radio personality Mark Wright, who was the first to test the unconventional workouts.
To amplify the uninhibited joy of childhood activity, Mark even trialled a prototype exercise bike called the JoyRide, designed to spark nostalgia and a smile while working up a sweat.
Top 10 Playful Exercises to Try
Expert trainers have revealed a list of top 'Kidulting' movements to incorporate into any workout, all inspired by classic childhood games. These exercises promise to improve coordination, grip strength, shoulder health, and SAQ (Speed, Agility, Quickness).
The recommended activities are:
- Skipping (for cardio)
- Hopscotch (for single-leg hops and balance)
- Tag (with lateral hops to build SAQ)
- Monkey Bars (for grip strength and shoulder health)
- Stuck in the Mud (using a bear crawl)
- Wheelbarrow Row Race (using a TRX Suspension Trainer)
- Piggy in the Middle (with squat jumps)
- Handstands
- Crab Walk
- Sleeping Lions (a stretch to finish)
Michelle Dand, Head of Product and Programming at David Lloyd Clubs, commented on the shift in fitness philosophy: "The days of hardcore, unachievable fitness goals are over as we shift to a far more holistic view of wellness. Consistency grows when exercise feels supportive, not demanding, and most importantly when it’s fun."
Mark Wright added his personal endorsement, saying, "Wellness has always been important to me, but at times exercise has felt more 'grin and bear it'. That’s why 'Kidulting' is something I am so excited by, and I can’t wait to help the nation rediscover some much needed joy at this time of year."
