One of the best ambitions to have in life is to develop and maintain a healthy lifestyle. A healthy lifestyle addresses mind, body and soul; however, it seems the most difficult part to accomplish is a healthy lifestyle for your body.

A Yearlong Resolution:

Starting an exercise routine, getting in shape and losing weight always top the New Year’s resolution lists. Exercise routines can be started any time of year and need a commitment. There are many ways to get fit. Some prefer to pay for a gym membership or participate in local league sports. But what is available for those of us who do not have the time to go somewhere out of our way to exercise?

 1. Develop a Plan, and Keep It Simple

Start with a basic plan. Are you looking to increase strength or lose weight? Are you looking for a cardio routine? What amount of time are you looking to put into the routine daily? Basically, keep your goals simple and small. You want to meet a specific goal each week to keep your motivation up. For example, start by scheduling to exercise ten minutes a day, four days a week. Or start out with thirty minutes, one day a week. After a couple weeks, gradually increase your commitment.

2. It Is Not All About Your Weight

Getting in shape and being physically fit is not just about how much you weigh. While keeping an eye on your weight is good, do not become obsessed with this as your sole measure of success. Other things to consider are full body measurements, how your clothes fit and, most importantly, how you feel. And even if your body doesn’t change its appearance right away, it will change in how it feels.

 3. Get Some Equipment

A home gym is great idea. To begin your routine, focus on something simple. Common choices are a treadmill or an elliptical. The elliptical can be a little more challenging than a treadmill, but many users find it to be less stressful on their joints. Treadmills and ellipticals both provide great, simple cardio workouts in the pleasure of your own home.

4. Vary Your Routine

Even though you may have a treadmill, try using some free weights or resistance bands every other work out. Use workout videos to provide more variety. Explore Pilates, yoga or basic stretching.

5. Do Not Quit

Find what motivates you and stay focused! In no time you will be physically fit.