Top Five Ways to Make Your New Year's Resolution Last

How many times have you promised to 'get in shape,' or 'lose weight' as your new year's resolution? How many times have you broken that resolution, only to try, and fail, again the next year? Are you tired of this stagnant cycle? Are you ready to make a real change, and make this year's resolution the one that you keep? Here are 5 ways to make a fitness and weight loss resolution this year, and really make it stick.

Get a buddy!
It's always easier to make radical changes in your life if there's someone else doing it with you, supporting you, and holding you accountable for your actions. Maybe this is the year you'll finally join a health club or diet group, so you've got a team of professionals to keep you on track. Not your cup of tea? Maybe all you need is a workout buddy! If you start working out with a friend or family member, you can hold each other accountable for your goals, and motivate each other to follow through with your promises. Even if you can't find someone who wants to diet or exercise with you, a great way to motivate yourself to work out is to get a dog! While a dog is a big responsibility, those adorable eyes will be begging you to go on long walks and runs through your neighborhood. Who knows? Man's best friend could be your ticket to staying in shape this year.

Stop buying junk food!
If you don't have pastries and candy bars lying around your house, then you won't be able to munch on them when you're feeling bored. I'm not telling you to go shop at the health food store - those places are expensive and aren't a realistic change for you to be making. I'm just saying that if you need to develop different eating habits, try to make small, gradual changes. Maybe instead of a doughnut you'll have cereal for breakfast on weekdays. Maybe you'll be vegetarian on Wednesdays, or start packing your own lunch for work! There are a lot of small changes you can make to become healthier, but they all have to begin with you making the choice to change.

Start small
One reason many health-conscious resolutions fail is because we bite off more than we can chew. Don't try to do too much at first. Remember, you're not trying to start a crash diet; you're trying to change your figure, your fitness level, and your lifestyle. There is no magic pill, no instant cure, and no fool-proof plan. You have to take it slowly, listen to your body, and only make changes when you know you're really ready to commit to them.

Make fitness a part of your routine
If you're a habit-oriented person, then a key part of your new year's resolution will be changing your usual routine. How about going for a ten-minute walk on every one of your lunch breaks for now on? How about signing up for an aerobics class that meets every Thursday night? How about going for a relaxing swim every Saturday? There are a lot of small, enjoyable ways to begin integrating exercise into your routine. The trick is to find something you enjoy, and stick with it!

Stop being sedentary!
Sure, we all love to come home at the end of a stressful day at work and spend some time relaxing on the couch in front of the TV, but if you're unhealthy or overweight or both, chances are your sedentary lifestyle is a major part of the problem. I challenge you to go on a 'television diet.' Even if you find it difficult to make changes to your eating habits and activity level, limiting your TV time could be a very positive change. Maybe you'll make a resolution to stay away from the tube on weekdays or, if there's a show you simply can't miss, maybe you'll only be allowed to watch TV on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Think, for a moment, of all the things you would accomplish in a day if you didn't let yourself get stuck in front of the television! Branch out, and see what new, healthier activities you find once your TV addiction is gone.

While all of these tips might help you meet your health goals in the New Year, be sure to consult with your doctor before you start any type of weight loss or fitness program. Good Luck!