10 Tips To Keeping Your New Years Resolutions

It's the beginning of a new year. The gym fills up, aerobic classes overflow, and everyone is eager to make a change. Thousands of Americans will decide to get fit and lose weight in 2005. Unfortunately by the time Valentines Day rolls around many will have given up, telling themselves they'll try again next year. Why does this happen to so many people every year? Our society demands instant gratification and results. It's hard for people to understand that deciding to make fitness a New Year's resolution has to be a lifestyle change. Here are ten tips to help you stay on track throughout the year:

Change your attitude about fitness . If you view exercise as painful, time consuming and obligatory, you've already set yourself up for failure. Instead, think of exercise as a chance to unwind from a stressful day. Consider the health benefits and how good you'll feel when the workout is completed.

Create a realistic plan and work exercise in throughout the day . If you're a beginner, try walking for 30 minutes three or four days a week � don't overdo it or you'll burn out. Try taking the stairs rather than the elevator or park in the back row of a parking lot at work or when shopping.

Schedule your workouts as you would any other appointments and commit to them. Make it a convenient time that fits into your schedule such as when you get off work or after the kids are dropped off for school.

Do more with less . You don't necessarily need expensive equipment or gym memberships. Begin by getting yourself moving everyday.

Get support by enlisting an exercise buddy . This friend should hold you accountable and help motivate and encourage you. Even if your exercise buddy can't make a workout session, stay the course and get your workout done anyway

Track your progress. Set several small goals to achieve throughout the year that will help you reach your ultimate goal. If your goal is to lose weight, avoid getting on the scale every day. Your weight can fluctuate as much as eight pounds between morning and night. This may be due to water retention or you may have added lean muscle mass which weighs more than fat. Weigh and measure yourself initially and then repeat this process in six weeks. Use a journal to record your workouts, meals, and progress.

Reward yourself after attaining your goals . Do something you enjoy to celebrate your success. Get a massage after you've lost your first five pounds, buy a new outfit or new shoes after working up to 25 push-ups, or take a vacation after dropping two dress sizes.

Prepare healthy meals in advance if your schedule is demanding. Learn healthy eating habits and decide to eat more vegetables instead of focusing on cutting out foods. Also, don't skip meals. Skipping meals can slow your metabolism and hinder weight loss. Pack your lunch to avoid the fast food drive through.

Be prepared to work out whenever you have time. Keep your workout clothes readily accessible.

Be patient. Results don't occur immediately. If you get off track, pick a new start date and don't look back. The past is behind you, learn from it, and then let it go. Above all, don't give up.

Here's to a happy and healthy �new you� in the New Year!

Sherry Shelton , a nationally certified person fitness trainer, owns In Home Personal Training in Alpharetta. She has been in the health and fitness industry for 25 years helping individuals reach and maintain their health and fitness goals.