Resolve to do it right

You have made a resolution to get fit and better this year. Do you have a plan?

Are you emerging from your post-celebration hangover and waking up to your first resolution for the year ahead "" lose weight and become fitter? A lot of research has proven that this the most avowed resolution but also almost always the first to lose its fizz. The verve often lasts only a couple of weeks or maximum till the onset of spring.

You must have spent of a good bit during the year-end shopping spree to stock up on the latest fitness wear and accessories, and now it is time to pause, taker a deep breath and put them to good use.

Experts say the biggest reason for the numbers of enthusiasts dwindling at the gym after the first two weeks is lack of the right motivation. They say the best way to start a fitness regime is to have a goal to make it a habit and have a "emotional connect" with the purpose of working out. Saying you will "lose weight" or "get fit" can better quantified if you phrase it as "I will lose weight to lower my blood pressure and enjoy a much more all-round active life".

As always it is best to start with a visit to your doctor. Find out the specific issues that your workout needs to address such as your diabetes, blood pressure, cholesterol or muscular problems. Then structure your workouts with the help of a qualified trainer. It will cost money but you are better off doing it the right way.

Hordes of gadgets that help calorie burn are now available but there is a lot more you can do with technology. 2007 was the year of social networking, so use it form a discussion forum. Create a blog and use it to chronicle your experience. It takes some doing, but do try to put a few videos of your workout online for your community. Studies again have shown that teaming up with others who share the same goal is welcome positive peer pressure. And who knows, it is the Internet after all, you might start getting tips from the who's who in the fitness industry or you might be the inspiration for someone to start afresh.