Stick to Your Resolution!

You've resolved to lose weight or get to the gym on a regular basis. A month later, at the end of January, you're still on track with your fitness goals. Right? If this doesn't sound like you, don't despair, you're not alone.  Millions of people each year resolve to lose those extra pounds or tone their muscles only to have their goals fall apart within a few weeks. If you'd like to stick to your resolutions long enough to see results, these tips will help you do just that.

• 1) Make it a priority. Sounds easier said than done, but there is always time, even in the busiest of schedules, for something that holds value to you.  Mark gym time in your calendar if necessary, wake up a little earlier in the morning, split your workout in half doing part in the morning and part in the evening. There are also plenty of exercises that can be done at home.
• 2) Have company. A workout buddy can be a great distraction on days you are less than motivated and will help hold you accountable to your scheduled workout times.
• 3) Enjoy it. Let's be honest, if you don't enjoy something, it's hard to get excited about doing it. Do activities that are fun for you; play basketball if walking on the treadmill is too monotonous. Turn up your ipod with your favorite tunes, and take your workout to the great outdoors when weather allows.
• 4) Track your progress. Keep a workout log and detail what you did and how you felt. You will find there are a lot of factors playing a role in your motivation. For example, on days you have more stress at work, do you find it more difficult to enjoy your workout? Or, on days you skip breakfast, do you run out of energy by the time you get to the gym?