In other words, by lowering the expectation we put on ourselves, we’re more likely to succeed. Feeling like we’re smashing it is a sure-fire way to keep going.

“I think lots of people can get really excited and have plans they want to follow or goals they want to meet. It’s not exciting to ask yourself realistically what you can do, what you have the time for and what you’re physically capable of, but it’s better to do less for a longer period of time than to feel motivated and then fall flat,” adds Dr Bedford.

This advice might sound out of tune in a world where doing more always seems to be the answer, with fitness influencers encouraging daily workouts. But when you aren’t stressed about your workouts, worrying how you’ll fit them in alongside work, socialising, life admin and family responsibilities, you’ll probably get more from them.

“We’re hardwired to want to compare ourselves to everyone around us, but trying to live on other people’s schedules – or even do the amount we used to do ourselves – won’t serve you now,” reminds Dr Bedford.

How often should you workout? Why doing less exercise improves motivation