Why January 1st isn’t the only New Year that matters

The energy of a new year is powerful and can help bring about a different perspective and intentions to your workouts. However, New year’s resolutions also don’t work well for many. When we talk about the new year, what are the alternatives?

January 1st The traditional new year in the UK

The first of January, the new year is a marker for many, ‘out with the old and in with the new’. You will know yourself if this is a good approach and has worked well you from previous years. However, for many, winter is the time to hermit and hibernate. Setting goals is not the best time, although it may be something you are pondering.

Capricorn New Moon

The first new moon of the year is around 18th January. Capricorn has an earthy energy and is very practical. The goat, which Capricorn represents, is sure-footed climbing steep mountains where a clear path isn’t always obvious.
Is it a coincidence that around this time is called ‘Quitters Day’? Which is as it sounds, many people quit or review their goals. This is when you force yourself to exercise rather than tapping into your own exercise seasons and cycles.

Chinese New Year

This is the middle of February, with an animal and an element identifying the energy. In 2026 we move from the Wood Snake energy and into Fire Horse. You don’t need to know much about Chinese astrology to appreciate the different energies just in their names.

Astrological New Year

Lastly, the astrological new year starts when the sun moves into Aries (a fire sign) towards the end of March. There is a boldness and enthusiasm in Aries energy.

So, is the problem setting New Year’s resolutions, or setting New Year’s resolutions in January? Can we use all this New Year energy to support our health and exercise goals?

Moving from 2025 to 2026:

• In numerology, 2025 was a 9 year, which was about endings and cycles completing. 2026 is numerically a 10, which is a 1. New beginnings and new cycles.
• We have the earthy, practical Capricorn New Moon energy in mid-January.
• Then, shedding the wood snake energy into the fire horse mid-February
• Lastly, the fiery enthusiasm of Aries mid march.

All energy is available to you to help with your New Year’s resolutions. What are you tapping into?

Samantha Valand is a Pilates teacher, Yoga Instructor and Personal Trainer turned online Coach. Who helps over fifties women fall in love with exercising again after the menopause. You can find some inspiration over on the blog.  Over on my YouTube channel, you can find my Intuitive Exercise Energy Readings. A tool I created to help build intuition and the mind-body connection when you start to exercise again after the menopause. Sign up for my free monthly newsletter to help you live healthy ever after