Fitness expert Sam Wood discusses effective strategies for maintaining exercise goals beyond January, emphasising the importance of starting small with achievable targets rather than overwhelming commitments. Wood recommends walking, resistance training and increased protein consumption as foundational elements, noting that brief 10-minute walks throughout the day can be as effective as longer single sessions. Strength training builds lean muscle that transforms the body into a fat-burning machine, with fitness success being measured more by how one feels rather than appearance alone.