The following strategies may be just the inspiration you need to stay active throughout the new year.
Act like a kid. When Cary Reynolds, 32, of Virginia Beach, Virginia, wanted to jump-start her fitness plan, she thought about ballet, a favorite activity from her youth, and signed up for classes. "They're a fun way to exercise, and they let me carry on one of my childhood passions," Reynolds says. If you enjoy an activity, you'll look forward to doing it, which means it's likely to become a habit. Whether it's biking or Hula-Hooping, sign up for a class, join a league, or order an instructional video/dvd.
Learn something new. Try activities with a learning curve, such as tai chi or hip-hop dance, to freshen up your fitness routine. Anything that requires you to master new moves will stimulate your mind, Cotton says, 'and help relieve boredom, break a plateau, and enhance motivation.'
Make your home fitness-friendly. The hurdle of going to a gym stops some people from exercising. Have a pair of hand weights, resistance tubes, videos or DVDs, and a jump rope on hand, and you'll always be ready to work out. Or just get out of the house for a strenuous walk.
Plan a fitness vacation. Choose a destination with hiking or biking trails, or access to another sport you like. Since you'll get the most out of your trip if you're fit and capable, planning it may prompt you to exercise. "If you're in good shape, you'll have more stamina, and be able to take in more sites and surroundings," says Cari Gray of Butterfield and Robinson (www.butterfield.com), an active travel company. Whether you plan to hike through a national park or bike past castles in Ireland, you'll have the trip of your life--and your healthy body will thank you.
These fitness tricks help Cooking Light readers stay on track. Chances are they'll work for you, too.
"I pay in advance for my twice-weekly water-exercise class. Knowing I've made a financial investment helps motivate me to go." --Andrea Rabinovitz, 54
"I only let myself read magazines on the elliptical trainer. When they start to stack up at home, I make myself work out to read them. It really works, because with a job, a husband, and kids, I don't have much time to read magazines anyway." --Marjorie Ingall, 37
"When I think I might be tempted to skip the gym, I tote my exercise bag to work, a friend's house, even the supermarket. It's a constant reminder of the commitment I made and removes at least one excuse: I don't have my stuff." --Susan Volkert, 56
