Top 5 Exercise New Year's Resolutions

1. Start Off Slow. Most people have an ambitious New Year's Resolution of getting into shape. This broad goal can have many benefits if done properly, but too many people jump into it without truly knowing how to do it. Starting an exercise routine after long periods of inactivity can put a lot of stress on your body which leads to overuse injuries. By starting off slow, you'll allow your body to gradually become accustomed to your workout. You'll prevent injuries and get into shape quicker.

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2. Sports. Find a sport to get involved with. Whether it's a group that bike rides together or a bunch of friends that play hockey, sports are a great way to exercise. If you play a sport you enjoy, time flies very quickly. You won't even realize that you've been exercising for long. Having fun while exercising will make for a much better workout and you're much more likely to stick to something you enjoy.

3. Well Rounded Routine. When making a new routine, be sure to include all the elements of fitness: flexibility, cardiovascular and strength training. Concentrating on only one of these instead of all of them will cause you to miss out on key benefits unique to each area of exercise.

4. Find a Workout Buddy. When starting an exercise resolution, one of the best ways to ensure success is to find a workout buddy. Jumping into a routine alone can be overwhelming. You have to make a routine and then stick to it over a long period of time. This can be tough if you aren't used to working out. Finding an exercise buddy will help you with writing up a workout and keeping you motivated. It's a lot harder to let a friend down than it is yourself. A friend can push you to work harder and help you stay focused on your ultimate goal.

5. Start a Workout Journal. Tracking your exercise progress will let you know if you're moving in the right direction. You can keep track of weights, number of repetitions and cardio times/intensities. Each time you do a workout, you can compare your new results to the ones you've written down to make sure you're steadily improving.