It’s January and the gyms are full of new members who are determined to reach their fitness goals. Here are 10 tips to help you get there.

1. Don’t overdue the training. It’s common to start off hitting the gym five to six days a week at first only to burn out after a couple of months. Even too much of a good thing can be counterproductive. You can get in great shape training three days a week. Better to train three days a week and still be at it in a year than to train six days a week and quit in a month.

2. Start with the basic exercises and keep your routine simple yet effective. Compound weight training exercises work more of the muscle groups and will make you stronger and leaner at a faster pace than isolation exercises.

3. Keep your nutrition plan simple.  Unprocessed carbohydrates, ample vegetables and fruit, lean proteins. Three meals consisting of lean protein and some carbohydrates and a couple of smaller snacks throughout the day works best. Adjust your portion sizes according to your goals. Some essential fats and lots of water daily.

4. Work with a trainer for a few workouts if you have never trained before. This will ensure that you are correctly doing the exercises, picking the right weights and applying the intensity needed to get results.

5. Keep a training log. Record your workouts, weight used, diet, and your personal body weight and measurements. Anything that pertains to you getting in shape. This will give you a blueprint of what does and does not work for you.

6. Take a week off every six to eight weeks. If you have been training hard and getting results a week off will not slow your progress but may actually speed it up. Will give you a change of pace for a week and you will be ready to get back to your training you will hit it hard for a few more weeks before your next time off. Staying mentally hungry is extremely important as if your mind wants to train your body will follow. The week off keep you mentally hungry.

7. Make time for your training. If you are already so busy you cannot get everything done, you will have to sit down and decide what you can take out of your busy life to make time for your training. Just about everyone has time to train. Make a list of your priorities and omit what is taking up some time that could be used for training. Simplify your life!

8. Get enough rest. If you are sleep deprived your workouts will suffer. Turn off the TV, shut down the computer and get to sleep at a decent hour.

9. Supplements can help with weight loss or weight gain. A quality protein powder can take the place of a junk meal or fill in for a snack. A multi-vitamin can protect against deficiencies and costs pennies a day. Some of the newer pre-workout energy powders are vitamin fortified and provide tremendous energy without a crash.

10. Surround yourself with people that support and inspire you. If you are in a positive atmosphere for reaching your goals it is much more likely to happen. Also watch inspirational DVD’s and shows, read book, magazines, take in fitness shows. Anything that keeps you motivated.

By doing what it takes you could be in the best shape of your life by this summer and when next new year rolls around your resolution could be to help someone else to do the same.