Every new year we believe this will be the year we reach our fitness goal. Often, the first and repeating hurdle is simply making it to the gym, so we've come up with 8 ways you can improve your chances of showing up.

1. Pack your gym bag at night. Also put out your socks and trainers. Keep a list of what to pack to streamline the process.


2. Shower at night. Showering at night helps you feel refreshed in the morning and clean for a run or the gym the next day.


3. Find a fitness partner. A partner with similar goals or fitness level will help you stay motivated and make you feel even more guilty and disappointed in yourself if you cancel.


4. Schedule in exercise at a time you can't say no. If you get up later than you could fit in a workout, schedule exercise to later in the day. You may not reap the 12-hour good mood benefit, but you won't have the morning as an excuse.



Often, the most common hurdle is simply making it to the gym

5. Stay on top of laundry. Not having enough clean clothes or towels may be one of the few valid excuses for skipping a session. So stay on top of your laundry by scheduling it in to at least twice a week.


6. Have at least two to three exercise outfits you'll always be happy to wear and shoes you can run, walk and workout in, such as cross training shoes. Find clothes that are comfortable and can be worn any day, including "fat days".


7. Log activity and optionally, results, on social media. We're not encouraging the kind you might regret, but a daily check-in of food and exercise adds pressure to stay on track and makes you accountable to those watching.


8. Eat light meals leading up to when you plan to exercise. If you've scheduled exercise to after work or school, the last thing you want is to feel full or tired from a heavy lunch.