NEW<\/span>You can now listen to Fox News articles!\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n This fall, many people are turning over a new leaf well ahead of January.<\/p>\n The “Great Lock-In” trend, which has gone viral on social media, is about using autumn\u2019s slowdown to tighten routines, build healthy habits<\/a> and reset before the holidays begin.<\/p>\n Fox News Digital asked top experts how to make the most of the season and truly “lock in.”<\/p>\n TIKTOK\u2019S 50-JUMP RITUAL IS REDEFINING HOW PEOPLE WAKE UP AND WARM UP<\/u><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Laurie Singer, a licensed psychotherapist<\/a> and behavior analyst in California, said it all starts with identifying what you truly want to achieve.<\/p>\n “The act of achieving a goal, no matter how small, propels us forward,” she said.<\/p>\n Taking a 15- to 20-minute morning walk is a realistic goal as part of a fall reset.<\/span> (iStock)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Singer recommends starting with “small, attainable and realistic goals” and using a weekly task list containing five to 10 things you can check off and celebrate.<\/p>\n Some examples might include taking a 15- to 20-minute morning walk<\/a>, eating a healthy breakfast and writing down one positive thing that happened that day.<\/p>\n 7 STEPS TO \u2018SUPER-AGING\u2019 ARE KEY TO LIVING A LONGER, MORE FULFILLING LIFE, EXPERTS SAY<\/u><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n “The physical act of checking off the items will leave you with a positive feeling of accomplishment,” Singer said. Those small bursts of success build confidence, which then fuels the next step.<\/p>\n Registered dietitian nutritionist Lauren Harris-Pincus agrees that steady, realistic actions are key.<\/p>\n “Since only 10% of Americans eat the recommended amount of fruit and veggies per day, maybe committing to adding one serving of produce per meal is a simple objective that will bring multiple health benefits<\/a>,” said New Jersey-based Harris-Pincus.<\/p>\n She also warned against perfectionism and guilt.\u00a0<\/p>\n “We are all human. Life happens, and it\u2019s important to give ourselves grace when it comes to our own self-judgment and evaluation of success,” she said.\u00a0<\/p>\n “Committing to adding one serving of produce per meal is a simple objective that will bring multiple health benefits,” a registered dietitian nutritionist advised.<\/span> (iStock)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n Marc Santa Maria, vice president of group fitness at Crunch Fitness in New York, said one of the biggest mistakes is “going too hard too soon.”<\/p>\n CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP<\/u><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n “The \u2018all or nothing\u2019 approach often leads to burnout or potential injury,” he told Fox News Digital. Instead, Santa Maria recommends “meeting yourself where you are.”<\/p>\n Start with two or three 30-minute sessions a week, he recommends, opting for something simple and enjoyable, like walking or stretching<\/a>. As you progress, layer in challenge and accountability, which could be a friend who checks in, a shared goal or a small reward.<\/p>\n CLICK HERE TO SIGN UP FOR OUR HEALTH NEWSLETTER<\/u><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Singer agreed that burnout often stems from setting overly ambitious goals.<\/p>\n “I see many people give up on their plans because they\u2019re only focused on the goal and not the process,” she said. “We have to walk before we run.”<\/p>\n Once you\u2019ve set your focus, it’s important to anchor it in real life. Harris-Pincus recommends selecting a single nutrition habit<\/a>, such as meal prepping, or adding a half-cup of beans to your daily diet to boost protein intake.\u00a0<\/p>\n Small shifts, compounded over months, deliver real results, the expert noted.<\/p>\n Experts recommend starting with something simple and enjoyable, like walking or stretching.<\/span> (iStock)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n “Life sometimes interferes,” the nutritionist said. “We get sick, go on vacation or end up behind on a work deadline that overtakes our meal prep time. The key is to swing back to your routine as soon as you are able.”<\/p>\n For fitness, Santa Maria said, simplicity wins. He recommends scheduling workouts like appointments, and changing your phone background to an inspiring photo.<\/p>\n TEST YOURSELF WITH OUR LATEST LIFESTYLE QUIZ<\/u><\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n When life gets busy, he emphasized the importance of prioritizing sleep<\/a>.\u00a0<\/p>\n “Consistent, sufficient sleep is one of the most powerful ways to support your body and its recovery,” the expert said.<\/p>\n For mental rest, Singer suggests carving out daily micro-breaks \u2014 three to five minutes to breathe, reflect or write down one positive thing.<\/p>\n A true lock-in doesn\u2019t end when the calendar turns, the experts agree. Harris-Pincus says the goal is to make habits so natural that they become part of your daily life.<\/p>\n When life gets busy, experts emphasize the importance of prioritizing sleep.<\/span> (iStock)<\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n One of the best ways to transition without losing progress or reverting to old habits is to find others who share your new lifestyle interests, Singer advised.<\/p>\n “If you’re interested in healthier eating<\/a>, consider signing up for a cooking class,” she suggested as an example. “If you’ve embraced running, hiking or cycling, look for local clubs.<\/p>\nStart small and set realistic goals<\/h2>\n
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<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>\nFocus on progress, not perfection<\/h2>\n
![\"Woman](\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2025\/10\/1200\/675\/woman-eating-fruit-kitchen.jpg?ve=1&tl=1\")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>\nAvoid burnout by pacing yourself<\/h2>\n
Anchor your goals in real life<\/h2>\n
![\"People](\"https:\/\/a57.foxnews.com\/static.foxnews.com\/foxnews.com\/content\/uploads\/2023\/05\/1200\/675\/people-doing-yoga-in-park.jpg?ve=1&tl=1\")
<\/source><\/source><\/source><\/source><\/picture><\/div>\nMake habits stick beyond the season<\/h2>\n
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