If you’re hoping to make some healthy changes beginning January 1, you’re not alone.

Losing weight and getting healthy rank in the top five New Year’s Resolutions each year.

This year, why not try some of these suggestions for how to start a fitness regimen you can stick with?...

Know where you’re starting. This means you’ll want to weigh yourself and take measurements of your body so you will be able to see your progress. You may even want to write down your measurements – bust, hips, thighs and waist.

Think about the things you like to do. One way to start a fitness regimen you’ll stick with is to choose an activity you enjoy doing. Working out in the gym is great if that is what interests you. However, if you don’t like the monotony of lifting weights, you may want to try something like ice skating, swimming, skateboarding, running or one of many other sports or activities.

Sticking to a fitness routine is so much more fun if you have someone to join you. Ask a friend or family member if they will help you. They will be able to encourage you to keep going when you want to quit. They can cheer you on when you meet various goals until you reach your ultimate fitness and weight-loss goal.

Set small, specific goals. This year, rather than saying something like “I’m going to lose 50 pounds and 24 total inches this year.”, try making goals such as “I want to lose 5 pounds and 2 inches in one month.” Write down your goals including both the goal and the amount of time you’d like to attain it. Use pictures or encouraging sayings to help you visualize your goals if you think it would help.

Start out slowly. If you’ve never worked out before, don’t expect to work out for an hour every day. Work up to what you’d like to eventually reach. For example, start out by working out three days a week for about 30 minutes each. As you are consistent working out, you can add time to your workout or add another day. You can also start out doing mainly aerobics three days a week for two weeks and then adding weight training between the days you’re doing aerobics.

Stay hydrated whether you’re actively working out or not. However, if you’re working out it is even more important to drink water. Water is also important in helping your body flush fat so try drinking more water throughout your day.

Go for a walk during lunch or park further out than you usually would. Workouts don’t have to be elaborate and planned out. Adding half an hour of walking to your day if you’re normally sedentary can be all the change you have to make to see fitness goals being met.

Reward yourself when you reach small goals. Of course, you don’t want to reward yourself with food if you’re trying to lose weight, but you can buy yourself new clothing if your clothing is getting bigger. You can think of many types of rewards you could give yourself.

Have fun while you’re trying to get into shape. Your workouts don’t have to be weight training or workout classes. You can play a sport, go hiking or go dancing with a friend. Do what you enjoy and you’ll be more likely to start a fitness regimen you can stick with.

If losing a few pounds is part of your 2012 New Year's Resolution and you'd like our help be sure to to fill out our weight loss survey and you'll receive a FREE Weight Loss Consultation and Body Fat Analysis.