by: Ashleigh Fields, The Hill

Posted: Dec 26, 2025 / 07:05 PM EST

Updated: Dec 26, 2025 / 07:05 PM EST

TAMPA, Fla. (The Hill) – A fresh survey reveals that the leading New Year’s resolution among Americans is to increase their physical activity. 

According to a recent release by YouGov, 25% of participants indicated that enhancing their exercise regime is a primary objective for 2026.

The next most common choices for the new year included being happy (23 percent), eating healthier (22 percent) and saving more money (21 percent). 

Twenty-one percent of respondents said improving their physical health was most important, while 17 percent of participants said they’d like to lose weight.

YouGov notes that adults under 45 are more likely than people over 45 to resolve to save more money, improve their mental health and learn something new.

Respondents appeared to be optimistic. This year, 39 percent of those surveyed said it is very likely they will keep their New Year’s resolution, while half said it’s only somewhat likely. 

Just seven percent of Americans said they are not very or not at all likely they will keep their resolution at all.

YouGov surveyed 1,104 U.S. adult citizens from Dec. 9-11. The margin of error for the survey is 4 percentage points.