Now that Winter and the New Year is here, you're probably starting to think ahead to Spring, and all of those warm fuzzy, please get here soon to-do's! You're ready to shed those bulky winter clothes and slip into shorts and swimsuits, right? But you quickly realize that you still have a few months before that's happening. There's no better time to get started than now!

Now is the perfect time to get moving again--why not take advantage of the next few months to really get your body better than ever!

Here are some tips for men and women who desire safe, effective weight loss.

1. START MOVING
That's right. Get up and get yourself moving, whether it’s walking, swimming, biking, or running. Try to do at least 15-30 minutes a day of aerobic activity. It is essential for good health and will burn excess calories.

2. GET OFF THE SCALE
Americans are notoriously obsessed with body weight. Weigh yourself once and measure against the BMI (Body Mass Index). Then put your bathroom scale in the closet for a few months. Scales can be inaccurate, misleading, and a psychological deterrent to your success.

3. TARGET FAT AND FAT WILL LOSE
Excess body fat is killer. Learn how to measure and manage your body fat percentage by using body fat calipers or an electronic body-fat monitor. Body fat measurement is a more accurate indicator of health and wellness than weight alone.

4. DO IT FOR THE HEALTH BENEFITS
Shift your fitness focus to your health, not just your appearance. You can add years to your life and reduce major health risks by following a sound nutrition and exercise program. And you'll look better and feel better too!

5. AVOID "GET THIN QUICK" SCHEMES
If it sounds to 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. Proven guidelines set forth by the CDC and Surgeon General offer a prescription for healthy living all of us can follow.

6. CAN THE SODA AND SAVE
Soda adds useless (and expensive) calories to your diet. Just drinking water rather than sugar rich soda can put an extra $2-$3 in your wallet each day. Over one year, that adds up to over $1000 saved. And 100,000 fewer calories consumed! Considering that 1 pound of fat is the equivalent of 3,500 calories, that can be a weight savings of 28 pounds!

7. BE ACTIVE... BE SMART
Proper diet and exercise go hand in hand. One without the other is a recipe for failure. Just because you walked for 30 minutes doesn't mean you can reward yourself with a pint of your favorite ice cream!

8. REDUCE THE CALORIES
Americans take in too many calories. Period. From super sized meals at fast food chains to enormous servings at our favorite steakhouse, we are on the receiving end of an abundance of calories. Weight reduction is a caloric formula. Calories in (through eating) versus calories out (through activity). It's that simple. Stick with smaller portions.

REMEMBER THAT HEALTH STARTS AT HOME

This Winter, with national focus coming to bear on the problems of obesity, it has never been more important to educate yourself and your family about proper diet and the importance of exercise. While you’re at home, you can begin to develop healthy habits for choosing food and activities. Toss out the junk food and turn off the television set. Get active. Get healthy. Do it together.

Train Hard & Stay Healthy!

James Villepigue