New year, same body? Grit Spine & Sports Therapy says ‘let’s do this one differently’
January in Burien usually looks the same every year: cold mornings, dark afternoons, stiff necks, tight backs, and a sudden surge of motivation to “finally get healthy.”
If you’re feeling that pull right now, you’re not alone – and you’re not wrong for wanting change. But here’s the honest truth most New Year’s health advice skips over:
Your body doesn’t need a total overhaul. It needs consistency, support, and a plan that actually works in winter.
Winter is Hard on the Body (Whether You Notice or Not)
Cold weather naturally makes us move less. We sit more, hunch more, and tense up without realizing it. Add in holiday stress, less sunlight, and long workdays, and suddenly your back, neck, and hips are screaming by mid-January.
That doesn’t mean you’re “out of shape.” It means your body is adapting to winter – and could use a little help.
A Better Resolution: Feel Better First
Instead of starting the year with extreme workouts or unrealistic goals, try this mindset shift:
Focus on helping your body function better before pushing performance.
When your joints move better and your muscles aren’t constantly tight:
- Workouts feel easier
- Motivation sticks longer
- Injuries are less frequent
- Daily life just feels… lighter
That’s when real change happens.

Simple Winter Health Hacks (That Actually Stick)
You don’t need to overhaul your life this month. Start small:
- Move daily, even briefly
Aiming for at least 10-15 minutes of movement, light stretching, or mobility work goes a long way in winter.
- Pay attention to nagging pain
Pain isn’t something to push through indefinitely. It’s information.
- Get support early
You don’t need to wait until something is unbearable to get help.
Where We Come In
At Grit Spine & Sports Therapy, we help people move better, recover stronger, and stay active through every season – especially winter.
Care here isn’t one-size-fits-all, it’s tailored to your goals. We take the time to understand how your body is moving, what’s holding you back, and what you actually want to get back to doing – whether that’s working out, keeping up with your kids, or just getting through the workday without pain.
Through a blend of targeted muscle work, precise chiropractic adjustments, and goal-specific corrective exercises, Dr. Emily at GRIT Spine & Sports therapy is dedicated to helping your body move the way it was meant to – so you can get a real head start on your New Year’s resolutions. Instead of pushing through stiffness and pain, care is focused on building a strong, resilient foundation that actually supports the goals you’ve set for yourself this year.
If your New Year goal is simply to feel better in your body, book your consult with Dr. Emily at GRIT Spine & Sports Therapy and start your journey with trusted care. Live in a way that supports your New Year’s resolutions, long after the motivation fades. Even small changes can make a big difference when they’re done the right way.
Cheers to a healthier, more sustainable start to the year.
– Dr. Emily Zacharias, DC
Grit Spine & Sports Therapy

Contact info:
- Location: 2108 SW 152nd Street, Suite H, Burien, WA 98166 (map below)
- Phone: (206) 486-0390
- Email: dremily@gritspineandsportstherapy.com
Hours:
- Monday-Thursday: 8 a.m.–6 p.m.
- Fridays: 7:30 a.m.–4 p.m.
NOTE: If time is limited within business hours, please contact Dr. Emily to find a time to accommodate your needs.
Website: https://www.gritspineandsportstherapy.com
Socials:
EDITOR’S NOTE: Sponsored Posts like this are paid, “Native Advertisements” that help businesses and organizations improve their internet presence and all-important SEO. South King Media also underwrites fundraisers from local nonprofits. To learn more about how your business or organization can directly reach our expanding, engaged audience in South King County, please email Theresa Schaefer at vtheresa@comcast.net.


