January is typically the busiest month of the year for the fitness industry because so many people make resolutions to follow healthier lifestyles. Sadly, by the time March comes around, most resolutions are long forgotten.

A big problem is that people try to make a radical change and set themselves up for failure in the process. This year, rather than make radical changes, we want to encourage everyone to start small and work up from there. A program that is sustainable will result in much more sizeable gains come next December than one that isn’t.

Here are our easy to maintain fitness resolutions:

1. Start using a pedometer. A tiny pedometer can be carried inconspicuously, but can have a huge impact on your fitness level. Consider this, 2000 steps equates to approximately a mile or about 100 calories burnt. Make it your initial goal to walk 2000 steps a day. (Even trips to the water cooler count). After you've reach 2000 steps, make it your resolution to walk 4000 steps by next December. Reach that goal, and you can eat cookie every day - guilt free. Pedometers can be found in many sporting goods stores; Amazon.com also sells a good one for about $13.
   


2. Wake up a few minutes earlier and workout. Don't have time to workout? By waking up 15 minutes earlier every day and just stretching, you'll be doing yourself some good. Of course, if you have a dog, he/she'll love you for the extra walk in the morning.
   


3. Fix your posture. Weak abs are the leading cause of back problems. To help you sit up straight, consider buying two BalanceBall®, one for your family room and one for your office. Not ready to make the jump to the BalanceBall, consider the BalanceBall® Chair - something we personally use.
   


4. Cut out unnecessary calories. Tell restaurants, especially fast food places - including Subway - no cheese. Ask for salad dressing on the time and only add it as needed; you will use less and your lettuce won't get as soggy. Substitute water for coke. Go for baked chips instead of regular chips. Notch down level of milk you buy one notch (e.g. switch from 2% to 1/2%). Little differences add up to a lot of calories over the year.
   


5. Set reminders for yourself in March, July, and October to go to the gym. Do this now and later in the year, you'll get a nudge to get back to resolutions. Join Weight Watchers® now. There simply is not a better weight loss program and if you sign-up online, you won't have to worry about missing meetings.
   


6. Most importantly, don't get down on yourself for not adhering to your resolution. If you fall off of the plan, just get back on it. The faster you get back to your diet and fitness regime, the quicker you'll make up for the time you lost.