By Rita La Rosa Loud, B.S. 

Ancient Babylonians
Before heralding New Year Resolutions, how about a little history (Sarah Pruit, History.com) behind this popular tradition that occurred some 4,000 years ago by the ancient Babylonians. In honor of the new year, they were the first to record a 12-day religious celebration known as the Akitu. This festival transpired mid-March when crops were planted, a new king was crowned, and Babylonians vowed to repay their debts and loans to the pagan gods. In keeping with their promises, they were shown favor the coming year. If not, Babylonians feared untold displeasure by the gods.
Ancient Rome
Circa 46 B.C. in ancient Rome, Julius Ceasar ascertained January 1 as the beginning of the new year naming it after Janus, the god of two faces. It was supposed that Janus lived in doorways and arches. Romans credited this deity gifted with hindsight of the preceding year and foreseeing the upcoming year. Hence, sacrifices were offered to Janus by the Romans with guarantees of good behavior for the following year.
Early Christians
Day one of the new year was, for early Christians, a time to reflect on yesteryear’s shortcomings and then resolve to rectify them in the future. To celebrate the new year, in 1774, John Wesley, an English clergyman and originator of Methodism, established the Covenant Renewal Service, known as watch night services. These observances on New Year’s Eve and Day were comprised of Scripture readings and chanting of hymns.
Modern Day America
As per a 2024 Forbes Health One Poll survey, New Year’s resolutions typically lasts up to four months (8% stick with it for a month, 22% persist for two months, another 22% last about three months, and 13% top off at four months). Obviously, many who declare New Year’s resolutions rarely keep their pledge. And, we have all, admittedly, been there. On an optimistic note, in the same poll of 1,000 U.S. adults, 48% specified improving fitness as a top priority and 43% reported gym membership for maintaining accountability. Instead of proclaiming arduous goals that set us up for failure and disappointment, avow reasonable intentions for developing healthier habits and improving physical fitness, not in the short term, but for a lifetime of health and wellness success. The key is to set S.M.A.R.T. goals.
S.M.A.R.T. goals definitions:
Specific goals are clear and explicit.
Measurable goals are precise criteria that measure progress toward goal success.
Achievable goals are attainable and not impossible to achieve.
Realistic goals are within reach, and are applicable to your purpose in life.
Timely goals have clearly defined start and end timelines that create a sense of urgency.
Quincy College’s Wayne Westcott, Ph.D. Center for Health and Fitness trainers will help you set and achieve smart health and fitness goals, step-by-step, not only for the New Year, but for a lifetime! We offer supervised strength, endurance, flexibility, balance and functional training at your pace and fitness level. Located at President’s Place, 1250 Hancock St., Quincy; call 617-405-5978 to try a complimentary class. Street parking and a parking garage are available.
About the Author: Rita La Rosa Loud holds a B.S. in Exercise Physiology with additional education in Sports Medicine and Athletic Training. She is NASM Certified and has been actively involved in the fitness industry for more than 35 years. She is also an author and writes  
fitness-related articles for various publications. Currently, she is a fitness researcher and directs the Wayne Westcott, Ph.D. Center for Health and Fitness at Quincy College. She can be reached at 617-405-5978.