By Jenny Dean | Contributor

The changing of the calendar year brings a feeling of renewal, which is why so many people commit to getting fit in January. It’s a fresh start, a new beginning, an opportunity to create change!  The bad news is MOST people fall off the fitness wagon by March and find themselves in a rut. If you do not make health and fitness a habit, you will quit. 

The good news is you can change a “rut” mindset!

I believe when you are in your best physical shape it affects every aspect of your life. Your work performance improves, your relationships get better, your confidence increases – it affects how you live every day.

Here are a few quick tips to consider when you find yourself in a rut or just not motivated: 

• Schedule your workout like you do an appointment – create a workout calendar and commit to working out at least 3 days a week. 

• Try all kinds of workouts – boxing, yoga, TRX, boot camps, etc. The more you try, the more you’ll find a     workout that is perfect for you! 

• Have an accountability partner – you are more likely to cancel on yourself than on someone else.

• Be prepared the night before; lay out your clothes and shoes.

• Have a plan at the gym – know what you’re going to do before you step foot in the gym. 

• Don’t be afraid to ask the gym trainers for help or ideas to improve your workout.

• Keep a motivating picture on your phone that you can look at any time you want to give up.

• For the days you can’t make it to the gym, take a long walk around the neighborhood. JUST BE ACTIVE!

• Make a great playlist and listen to it while you are getting ready for the gym.

Editor’s Note: Frisco-based fitness expert Jenny Dean is an accredited yoga teacher with over 2,000 classes under her belt. She also conducts yoga retreats around the country. To learn more, visit www.jennydeanfitness.com.