Inspiration for Your 2017 Fitness Resolutions

If you go to the gym in January, you'll see a lot of new faces. If you go to the gym in December, you'll see a lot of empty machines.

Losing weight and getting in shape has got to be one of the most common New Years Resolutions. And not many people make it past January.

Why? Because sticking with it is hard. It's a change in a routine you've been accustomed to for years. And when changes are difficult, we default back to what we know. 

Tips for Sticking with Your Fitness Resolutions:

Set realistic goals. Adjust them as you go. If a vacation got you off track, cut yourself some slack, adjust your goal date, and get back on track. Be realistic. Dropping 2 pounds a week is a realistic goal. Remember you might lose quickly in the beginning, but then weight loss will slow down as your body adjusts to your new routine.

Put specific goals in writing - don't write "I want to lose 25 pounds." Instead, write, "My overall goal is to lose 25 pounds by April 1st. I'd like to shed 2 pounds a week by doing 30 minutes on the elliptical 2 days a week, taking group cardio classes 2 days a week, engaging in a sport/physical activity once a week (like tennis, basketball or hiking) and doing weight training 3 times a week. I'm cutting out fast food, pizza and soda and trading them in for healthy meals and snacks...."

...You get the idea. Specifics make all the difference.

Schedule fitness on your calendar. Now that you have a specific plan in place, block out time on your calendar so other things don't push fitness out of the way.

Remember: consistency gets results. You may not be up for a workout on a particular day, but it's the repetition and consistency that will get you to your goals. Don't forget that.

Tell someone about your goals. Better yet - post about it on social media. Once everyone knows, you'll feel the pressure to stick with it so you don't look like a failure.

Find a fitness buddy. One of the best things you can do for yourself if you really wanna stick with your fitness goals, is to have accountability. Enlist someone who will know if you skip a workout, encourage you not to. Preferably, this person will be a workout partner who joins you at the gym, enrolls in your spin class, or meets you on the tennis court.

Shop fitness themed gifts to encourage you along the way or as a reward for reaching your weight loss goals.