4 fitness resolutions for the couch potato

A new year is a great time to make health-related resolutions. However, if you've never been an active person, it can be a challenge to start exercising regularly. To help you get off the couch without being overwhelmed, here are four simple New Year's resolutions you can make.

One of the best ways to get motivated to get moving is to choose an exercise or activity that you actually like doing.

• If you don't enjoy simply running or going to a gym, try joining a team sport at a local community centre or sports organization so that you have a reason to get out and move.

Team sports are not only a good opportunity to get some exercise or lose weight, but they're also a chance to make friends and become a part of a new social circle.

If you're interested in becoming a runner, there's a tried-and-true plan to learn to run a 5 kilometre distance called the "Couch-to-5K" program.

• The program walks people through an alternating running and walking plan that includes three 30 minute runs per week.

The Couch-to-5K plan is a simple way to gain endurance slowly, without experiencing any uncomfortable or challenging workouts.

One good way to make exercising more fun and exciting is to find a fitness buddy to exercise with.

• Choose another person who is also a couch potato who also wants to start getting fit, since you'll be at the same level.
• Commit – with your buddy – to exercising together twice a week, whether it be walking, running, or playing catch with a Frisbee (among any other activity that requires you to run around).

Having a fitness buddy who holds you accountable will ensure that you don't slack off when you're feeling lazy or unmotivated.

If you've never exercised before, one of the easiest ways to start getting more fit is by walking.

• Get yourself a pedometer and start tracking your steps. Or use your smartphone to record your activity. Some smartphones have built-in pedometers that measure distance (and count steps) as you move around. If not, there are various apps you can download that serve the same purpose.
• You should aim to get 10,000 steps a day to get you in shape and keep your heart healthy.

As you feel fitter and fitter, you can up your step goal to burn more calories and increase your fitness level.