Set and stick to your fitness goals

A study published in the Archives of Internal Medicine shows that fitness goals are more successfully met when they're set in groups.

In accordance with this concept, Women's Health magazine suggests tackling multiple health goals at once, as it will help keep your resolve and resist temptation. Quoting the lead study author, the article states that if you just finished a hard run on the treadmill, you'll be less inclined to reach for an unhealthy treat. As you can see, you've now stuck to your plan of exercising and eating healthy.

The article also suggests making a list of up to three objectives and set daily and weekly mini-goals for each. Every time you reach one of those goals, award yourself with a point (which can be done simply by making a mark on your calender). Once you've reached a pre-determined amount of points -- maybe 20? -- reward yourself with a trip to the movies, a fancy haircut, or anything that makes you feel good. You earned it, so go for it!!