You’ve made a winter resolution to get fit for summer, but how do you incorporate it into your busy routine?

Find a fitness buddy: Recruit someone who has similar goals to you. You can go for walks, jogs, runs or join a class together. A slight competitive factor could make it fun.

Fit in the gym: If you can’t bear to get out of bed early in the winter, hit the gym during your lunch break. You’ll feel energised and less lethargic in the afternoon.

Bribe yourself: If you love shopping but also want to
exercise, work out a rewards programme for yourself. For example, if I walk for five hours during the week, I can spend $75 on the weekend. It could get expensive, or end up saving you money…

Walk to the shops: If there’s some within a few kilometres instead of jumping in the car to get some more milk, why not stick on your iPod and go for a walk?

Make it hard to ignore: If you’ve thought of fitness
in the past, chances are you’ve invested in some form of exercise equipment. For me it was the Lateral Thigh Trainer. When I’m thinking of exercising, I place it directly in my way so that if I trip over it I might have a go on it.

Sign up for a fun run: Do this months in advance so that you have a goal to work towards. Chances are if you’ve committed to something, you will feel compelled
to see it through. Your fitness buddy could also come
into play here.

Join a team: There are lots to choose from and it’s social as well as good exercise. You can choose indoor netball, soccer, touch, netball and heaps more.

Borrow a dog: If you don’t have one of your own you
could borrow one for a couple of hours and take it for a run and a play. Good exercise for you and poochy... you
might even make some cash on the side.

Prefer to stay indoors? Purchase, borrow or hire some pilates or yoga DVDs. Pilates is good for winter as it will increase your heart rate and make you nice and warm. Oh, and also tone those abs, buns and thighs.

Stephanie Whyte