It’s the time of year when the gyms fill up with people hoping to get a fresh and healthy start in the new year. For the gym veterans, it may be a little annoying to have the place busier than usual.

But I say “Welcome.”

Everyone has to start somewhere. And if that’s the new year, then so be it.

I got serious about fitness about a year and a half ago when my life took a sudden turn. Things happened that were out of my control, so I decided to take control of something that was all mine: my health. I hit the gym more focused than ever before.

Since then I’ve had a few hiccups. I’ll get out of a routine and slip back into my old ways. But that’s life. When you get down, you get back up and come back stronger and better than before. It’s unavoidable.

So, maybe your comeback — or just-starting-out — begins on Jan. 1 or maybe Sept. 1, but it’s the “begin” part that really matters. All the gym veterans — or the more familiar term, “gym rats” — had to begin one day, right? Maybe they even started in the new year.

We all looked like complete newbies who didn’t know what they were doing or how to work the machines or that you’re supposed to wipe down the machines after use.

I, for one, don’t usually set New Year’s Resolutions. I almost feel like it’s a curse on whatever goal you have because resolutions rarely carry through the entire year. But I do have one health-related goal for the year: drink more water.

I love water. I actually drink quite a bit throughout the day. If anyone knows me, you’ll know I always have a bottle at my side. But I hope to drink more of it in 2015. It keeps me full and focused. Studies show that the average person — it varies depending on age, activity level, etc. — should drink nine to 16 cups of water a day. I’ve got a ways to go.

I’ve already noticed the benefits of increased water consumption. I’ve avoided the winter cold, my hair is softer and I don’t feel as hungry just before meals.

And yeah, I’ll probably forget about my resolution by next month. But at least it gives me a reason to start. And if a new year is somebody’s reason to start getting healthy, then I say “Happy New Year, let’s exercise!”

In the words of Jake the dog from Adventure Time: “Dude, sucking at something is the first step to becoming sorta good at something.”

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