Want Fitness Goals That Last Avoid These Common Mistakes

If you’re starting new year fitness goals and feeling pressure to change everything FAST, you’re not alone. In this episode of Baptist HealthTalk, host Johanna Gomez sits down with Dr. Steven Hale, a primary sports medicine physician with Baptist Health Orthopedic Care, to break down how to start exercising the right way without burning out or getting injured.

They discuss why so many people quit by the end of January, how starting too fast can lead to common sports injuries, and why the “no pain, no gain” mindset can actually do more harm than good. Dr. Hale explains the importance of starting slow, progressing by just 5–10% per week, and focusing on consistency over quick results.

You’ll also learn how exercise supports both physical and mental health, and how small, realistic changes can help you build habits that actually last. Watch now to learn how to create a safe, sustainable fitness routine that works with your body—not against it.

Host: Johanna Gomez, award-winning host and journalist.

Guest: Steven Hale, M.D., Primary Sports Medicine Physician at Baptist Health Orthopedic Care.