Nearly everyone sees the upcoming holidays as a chance to make a new start or an important change. Whether you started something already or are planning to do it on January 1st, it doesn't matter, Just Get Started! Here are 10 powerful steps that you SHOULD start today.

1. Set Reasonable Goals
Losing 30 pounds in a month is neither realistic nor safe. A better goal is 1 to 2 pounds a week. If you set an unattainable goal, you'll only get discouraged when you fail.

2. Remember All The Benefits
While you may start an exercise program to improve your appearance, don't forget all the other benefits. Regular exercise helps relieve stress, improve energy levels, and helps prevent heart attacks, strokes, osteoporosis, and a wide range of other health problems.

3. Start With Small Goals That Lead To Big Rewards
If going to a gym every day seems impossible with your schedule, don't give up on exercise entirely. Add a little exercise to your day--take the stairs, walk on your lunch hour. Hit the gym just once a week, and as you start to feel your energy increase, you'll be motivated to find more time in your week.

4. Build In Rewards
Although a healthier body should be its own reward, sometimes it helps to get something tangible in return for your hard work. When you hit a goal, reward yourself with a massage, a new outfit, or a movie night out with friends (just avoid the jumbo popcorn!)

5. Pick Up The Weights
Despite common misconceptions, weight lifting won't make you stiff or give men/women big "bulky" muscles. In fact, weight training with dumbbells or a resistance machine helps burn fat, build lean muscle tissue, and can even help fight osteoporosis and heart disease. If it was easy to put on huge amounts of muscle, just about every gym rat would be walking around looking like Arnold! Packing on lean muscle is tougher than you think.

6. Avoid "Get Thin Quick" Schemes
If it sounds too good to be true, it is. From "fat burning" diet pills (dangerous) to electronic ab stimulators (really!), the promise of results without effort is just a marketing gimmick designed to reduce your wallet--not your waistline.

7. Don't Go It Alone
Choose a workout partner to help motivate the both of you and hold each other accountable. It's an awesome way to keep to your goal and see it through to total success!

8. Be Aware Of Your Choices
Put extra thought into making wise food selections. Choose lean chicken or fish in place of steak, take steamed vegetables instead of mashed potatoes, and skip the heavy sauces and gravy. Just thinking about what and how much you eat can make all the difference in the world.

9. Find The Fun
Getting in shape doesn't have to mean the same workout day after day. Enjoy yourself. Find a great exercise class. Go dancing. Ride a bike. Get a dog and talk it for long walks. Experiment with cuisine around the world while making healthy meals. Join a walking or hiking club. Again train with your friends - Just don't get caught up in the bibble-babble of traditional gym gossip - Gym Etiquette is key; to both adhere to and respect others with...This is your time to train - Don't allow others to distract you and don't distract others!

10. Remember That Health Starts At Home
While the obesity rate for all Americans is climbing, the rate for children and teenagers is particularly alarming. Everyone in the family can benefit from joining you in healthy activities and better meals, and you'll help them develop good habits for life.

Good Luck To Everyone And Remember To Stop Procrastinating And Make It Happen Now!

Best Of Luck & Train Hard!

James Villepigue