Is your New Year’s Resolution to get in shape? Do you start with great intentions and end up quitting in February? Here are some tips to help you stick with it.

1.) Choose something you like to do. If you don’t like to run, don’t take up running. If you force yourself to do something you hate and are not good at, it’s very unlikely you’ll stick with it.

2.) Get a workout partner. It will hold you accountable & can make exercising more fun.

3.) Schedule your workouts. Write it on your calendar & honor it as you would with any other appointments you have.

4.) Vary your routine. You may be less likely to get bored if you change your routine. Walk one day, do weights the next day, bike then next. Try different group exercise classes at your gym.

5.) Don’t get discouraged. Research shows that it takes about 21 days for a behavior to become a habit.

6.) Set small, realistic goals to start. Don’t set yourself up for failure by committing to exercise everyday for one hour if you’ve never participated in a regular workout routine before. By setting small goals you can achieve, such as three 30-minute sessions each week, you make it easier to experience success quickly.

7. Music. Create a workout play list of your favorite up-tempo songs and change it as needed to keep you engaged.

8.) Hire a personal trainer. A personal trainer can assess your fitness level, develop a program to meet specific goals and measure your progress. They can also keep you accountable and show you different exercises to vary your routine.

9.) Don’t give up. If you miss a few days, or even weeks, of your exercise routine, don’t give up!! What is important is getting started again as soon as you can.

10.) Reward yourself for your successes. Remember how good you feel after exercising when you don’t want to work out. Reward yourself with healthy options, such as exercise apparel, new music or a massage.