As we celebrate our 20th Year at Gold's Gym Paramus, I have come to realize that we have now been through 20 New Year Resolution time periods. As you can imagine, we have seen it all over 20 years when it comes to exercise and nutrition. We have watched people succeed and unfortunately we have also seen people fail to get started or to continue with their exercise program.

In the gym, we do everything we can to help people succeed, but ultimately it's always up to each person to make it happen for themselves. The difference in success or failure can be something small or something big, but usually its the mental aspect of making a commitment to exercise where people tend to have the most trouble.

Since exercise is something that we all know is good for us, why isn't everyone doing it? That's the macro question people in the fitness industry always ask. Let's talk about the micro question - why aren't YOU doing it? Over 20 years we have heard many different reasons, some vaild, some that sound like just excuses and some that sound like rationalizations for not getting around to it or putting it off for another time. No matter what the reasons, here are a few tips for you to think about this year as its never too late to get started. If you have already started exercising, the most important thing you can do now is to make sure you continue!

1. Start with small realistic goals. Try to exercise just 2 times a week then add an extra day. Try to set a goal to lose 5 lbs. and not 20 lbs. Once you lose 5, set another goal for the next 5.

2. Get a Workout Partner. It's really hard at times to do this by yourself. Having someone to lean on and push you (and someone you can push back) is a great way to help you stay morivated.

3. Create a Support Group. Family, friends, co-workers...let them know what you are trying to do and ask them to help encourage and motivate you. Ask them to give you some "tough love" when you need it.

4. Try Group Exericise. Exercise classes and small group training programs are getting some of the best results for people that we have seen in years. Exercising with others is fun, challenging, motivating and provides a built in support group for you.

5. Hire a Trainer. This gives you professional assistance and becomes an appointment to exercise that you will not miss. It's educational, motivating and makes you accountable to someone besides yourself.

6. Join a Gym. Of course, I am biased here, but there really is no place more motivating than being around other people in a fun environment that all want to take care of themselves and be in better shape. It's contagious.

7. Find Your Personal Motivation. Is it so you can feel better, look better, play with the kids longer, relieve stress, improve your health....whatever is most important to you will help you stick to your program. Use visuals...pictures of you, pictures of the kids, pictures of a role model, whatever it takes to keep you "in the game".

These are just some of the "tips and tricks" that we have found helpful to many of our members over the past 20 years. I hope you find them helpful to you as you reconfirm your New Year's Resolution to start exercise or to continue what you have already started. Make it happen!