Everyone wants to get in shape. Whether you’re trying to lose the holiday pounds, you want to lose a lot of weight, or you just want to firm up and get stronger, it’s a worthy cause. It can be really hard to get going, though. Here are some tips for getting started.

First of all, talk to your friends about getting healthier. Chances are at least one or two of your friends will have similar goals. This is your chance! There’s nothing harder in the world than getting started and staying motivated on a workout plan on your own. You and your buddy can keep each other honest.

If you don’t feel like going to the gym one day, you’ll be a lot more likely to get through that malaise if you know your friend will be meeting you there. Guess what! They’ll get the same motivation from you. You’ll be helping each other out.

Next, choose your type of workout. You need to pick something that you will enjoy. Whether you’re taking spin classes at the gym or starting a running program, choose something that you’ll want to do, that you’ll look forward to. Getting healthy isn’t a part-time or temporary thing. You’ll be changing your whole lifestyle for the better.

Once you’ve started working out with your friend, see if you can get more friends involved. Get together for healthy potlucks. Go for morning runs or bicycle rides. Instead of happy hour or going out drinking on the weekends, plan hiking and camping trips. You’ll feel better about yourself, and you’ll notice a huge change in how you see yourself. The reflection in the mirror will say it all, and you’ll feel more energetic all around. Go talk to your friends about getting fit today!

Tags: buddy system, workout