To keep your fitness resolutions this year, be specific

Jan 4, 2010 2:50 PM

If maintaining a healthy fitness level isn't enough to keep you motivated, set a specific goal—like getting in shape for a ski trip, a 5K walk, or simply to look good in your favorite jeans. Personal trainer Mark Roozen recommends using a calendar to set up an exercise schedule. Be sure to build in time for mental and physical recovery; for example, working hard for three weeks and then taking a week off.

Also remember to check with your doctor before beginning a new exercise routine if you haven't been active lately. Vijay Vad, M.D., a sports-medicine specialist at the Hospital for Special Surgery in New York City, advises doing pre-workout warm-up stretches to minimize injury. Follow that with a simple exercise like lying on your back and cycling your legs in the air for 20 minutes, with breaks every 5 minutes, to help maintain your core strength, which is essential to a healthy spine, he says.

Pete McCall, an exercise physiologist for the American Council on Exercise, says that staying in shape doesn't require any expense at all if you're willing to walk 30 minutes a day, no matter what the weather. "If it's chilly out, leave your wallet at home and go do a few laps around the mall," he suggests. "While you're there, don't take the escalator, use the stairs—and stay away from the food court.

Calculate your BMI, and for more tips and Ratings to help you get fit and look great, take a look at our New Year fitness guide.