This is a sponsored post. All opinions are my own.

As we rung in the New Year, many of us made resolutions. Some people vowed to quit smoking or to get more organized, but by far the majority of resolution-makers vowed to lose weight or get in shape. Those 'get fit' resolutions are notorious for failing, but they don't have to. I've got 11 of the best tips to help you keep those resolutions and make them a way of life, including how to get a great gym membership for only $10 a month!

#1. Rename your resolution


Instead of a resolution like “lose 30 pounds”, try saying “get healthier”. You’ll be disappointed if you don’t reach the first, but in trying to reach the second, your body will get slimmer soon enough and you'll have the added benefit of feeling better while you get there. Getting healthy is much more important in the long run, and by making your first goal more easily achievable, you'll boost your confidence and stay with it.

#2. Start a multivitamin routine

If your diet isn't always as balanced as it should be, adding a daily multivitamin is the way to go. If you're missing key nutrients, you won't get very far progress-wise. Make sure your body has all of the nutrients it needs to flourish.

#3. Reshape your eating schedule


Eating regular meals is one of my own biggest hindrances. I get so busy/scattered/frantic during the day that I often forget to eat until it's dinnertime. You'd think that would mean that I'd never need to try to lose weight, but what it does over time is slow down your metabolism to a crawl. Your body thinks it's starving so it must conserve and store every calorie possible...and so it does. The most highly recommended eating schedule for weight loss is 6 smaller meals throughout the day instead of 3 larger meals. This will keep your body fueled, full of energy, and boost your metabolism.

If you're anything like me, this will seem like an impossible task to remember, but this is where your handy smartphone can help. Setting up alarms to remind you to eat those smaller meals will help keep you on track, so there's no chance of forgetting and busting your resolution.

#4. Hydrate


Yes, I know you know this. It's been said over and over until it's been drilled into us, but still we don't drink enough water. I have to say this because it is SO important for a couple of reasons when it comes to getting in shape (so I'll skip the "it helps you to not die" reasons.)

First, optimal body balance = optimal results. Second, it helps to fill your stomach, so drink up and those smaller portions won't bother you at all. There are so many more benefits to drinking your fill that you should already have this on your list, so I'll go ahead and get into how much you should be drinking.

The most common recommendation is eight 8-ounce glasses, which equals about 2 liters, or half a gallon. Most people hear "8 glasses" and picture 8 tall glasses of water, which seems like an impossible task, but 8 oz. = 1 cup, and you can fit about 2 cups into a tall glass, so picture 4 tall glasses a day and that is much more accurate and do-able.

The best way to accomplish this is to get a reusable water bottle, know how many ounces it holds, and know how many times to refill it to get to your daily 64 oz. intake. For example, mine is a 26 oz. bottle, so I know I need to drink around 2-1/2 of them daily. It's much easier to remember than "was I on my 2nd glass or 3rd?"

#5. Don't deprive yourself


Any change in diet can be hard and depriving yourself will only make it harder, so just focus on changing your portion sizes. If you HAVE to have a candy bar (and we all have those days), have a "fun size" or if you want that dessert, share it. Try to only "indulge" once or twice a week and you'll do fine. Really, it's not the end of the world, or your diet.

FYI, The key for moms to eating less sweets is this phrase "Hey kids, do you want a bite of Mommy's dessert?"

#6. Join a gym (but don't break the bank)


January is a big time for gym memberships, but many give up after about a month. Whether it's due to not seeing quick enough results, being uncomfortable working out in front of bodybuilder types, or being super-expensive, it's one of the first resolutions to get dumped come February. A gym is one of the best ways to get in a good workout and not have to invest in expensive equipment, but a membership doesn't have to break the bank.

Planet Fitness is a great gym for any fitness level and promises the famous "Judgement Free Zone", a non-intimidating, hassle-free, welcoming environment that makes everyone feel comfortable. That's in addition to being the most inexpensive gym you can join.


It's always inexpensive, but right now they're also having the January new membership sale. New members can join any Planet Fitness location from Jan. 1 – 11 for just a $1 down enrollment fee and $10 a month thereafter with no commitments. Find a club near you.

With your membership, you'll choose your home club and get unlimited fitness training, so if you have no idea what you're doing or how to accomplish your goals, there's help for that, and many of the clubs are open 24/7 so you can work it around your schedule. They cater to everyday people, not just pros and bros, so everyone can feel comfortable there.


All of the more than 1,200 locations in 47 states are equipped with state of the art equipment, fully equipped locker rooms, flat screen televisions, unlimited small group fitness instruction by a certified trainer, and much more.


By "much more", I mean much more awesomeness. Check your nearest location's amenities, but with the Black Card (only $19.99 per month) you get full access to any location nationwide, tanning, massage chairs and hydromassage tables, haircuts, total body enhancement machines, cooler drink discounts, and discounts at Reebok and other retailers. Pretty sweet.

Planet Fitness also provides members with an opportunity to connect and support each other with “Planet of Triumphs,” an online community that celebrates all accomplishments and inspirational stories of Planet Fitness members. You can check it out here.

You may get disillusioned with a gym membership over the cost vs. results in a short period of time, so a comfortable atmosphere that doesn't cost a bundle is the key to sticking with it.

#7. Get comfy


If you’re not comfortable exercising, you’ll be miserable, and not all workout clothes are skin-tight, day-glo, spandex nightmares. Get a nice pair of comfy yoga pants and you can really wear whatever else you like. If you're more comfortable working out in larger shirts (I hear ya, girl) layer it up.


If I can make one recommendation for the *ahem* larger-chested ladies, it's to get a good sports bra. Look for thick, breathable materials, wider straps, a racerback, and support, support, support. In this case, tighter is better. Try it on and do some jumping jacks in the dressing room; Whatever you need to do to make sure it will work for you. It will cost a bit more, but it will be so worth it when you're out there moving around.

#8. Wear shoes that fit well and support your arch


Injuries are not something you want to have to deal with, and they can trash your resolutions. Go to an athletic shoe store and have them size you and measure your arch. If you need to, get arch supports. Just make sure you're not opening yourself up to foot, ankle, and leg injuries because of your shoes. Take care of your feet and they'll take care of you.



Problem: you've got a super-busy day and don't know when you can fit in a workout. Solution: Be prepared. Pack a gym bag with all of your essentials and leave it in your trunk. That way, if you find a half hour during your day, you can head right into your workout without having to run home first, and if you have to head back into your busy day, you'll have everything you need to de-funk too.

Some of my gym bag essentials + recommendations:

• a complete set of workout clothes including a sports bra, undies, and socks.
• athletic shoes (in a shoe bag)
• flip flops (for the shower)
• a towel (for workout sweat)
• a water bottle
• protein-rich snacks or bars
• an MP3 player or your phone loaded with music
• earbuds
• combination lock (if your gym lockers don't have locks)
• a mini set of toiletries (shampoo, conditioner, soap, lotion, deodorant, etc.)
• dry shampoo (for those days when you don't have time for a shower)
• body spray (ditto)
• hair brush and extra hair ties/headbands
• lip balm
• antibacterial hand gel
• menstruation products for the ladies (just in case)
• a mini First Aid kit with a couple of bandaids for blisters
• a large cosmetics bag or ziplock bag to store it all in

#10. Set up a high-energy playlist on your phone or iPod



#11. Don’t be too hard on yourself


YOU are the one who will shape your results; No one can do it for you. If you don't succeed, it's not a failure, it just means you haven't succeeded YET. If you want it, go after it! You can do it! Remember that it can take time, so don't give up. It needs to become a way of life, and not just a January thing.


I hope these tips help you to get fit and stay fit. Being healthy should become a part of your life, not just an annoying interruption. Planet Fitness can help you love it, so don't forget to enroll before 1/11 to get that awesome discount!


Want to take it further? Check out this post for my Top 10 Fitness Essentials for the New You.


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Did you make a resolution this year? Are you already a Planet Fitness member? Do you love it? I love to read your comments!