By Shauna Parnell

So how is your New Year’s Resolution coming along?  January is almost over.  Are you feeling like now it’s too late to start the year off fresh?  If you’re like most Americans, you probably have some type of exercise or fitness goal this year. Of course, you already know that making the resolution is the easy part. The hard part is actually sticking with it.

The good news is it’s never too late.  To help you kick-start your new workout and actually stick with your resolution, try following these six steps:

Step 1: Make an Appointment – Your fitness regimen is just as important as your dentist check-up, folding programs for your niece’s school play, and dropping off your hubby’s jacket at the dry cleaners. So, make a workout appointment!  Block-out a workout hour in your planner. You’re far more likely to stick with your fitness plan-of-action if you write an actual appointment time in your calendar.

Step 2: Keep Your Appointment – Once you reserve a fitness timeslot for yourself, avoid canceling that appointment only to fill up the timeslot with other commitments. Don’t ever apologize for making yourself a priority. When Aunt Jane calls to ask that you help her plant the spring garden at the same time as your spinning class, let her know that you have another appointment, but you’d be happy to assist at a different time.

Step 3: Pack a Bag – If a meeting runs late or a last-minute errand catches you off-guard, there’s no need to trump your workout. Keep your gym bag packed and store it in your office or car. That way, you’ll always be ready.

Step 4: Get Some Training – If you’re new to exercise, sign-up for a few personal training sessions to ensure that you are performing movements correctly. The skills that you learn from one or two sessions can go a long way in preventing injury and maximizing results. And don’t worry about forking over the big bucks for one-on-one training. Look into a small group setting, such as a Personal Touch small group class at your local Jazzercise facility. When you split the cost with a few other costumers, then you get the benefits of personalized attention without bearing the brunt of the entire bill.

Step 5: Buddy Up – Talk to your friends and family. Let them know that your personal health and well-being are important to you, and ask for their help. Perhaps one or two of your friends will jump onboard with you. You’ll be more accountable to show up at the gym if your workout pal is waiting for you.

Step 6: Relax – When you start a new fitness program, be prepared for some achy muscles. After all, your body isn’t used to working so hard. Soak in a warm bath with Epsom salts to reduce soreness. Then, get back to the gym. You’ll be less stiff and sore if you stick with your fitness regimen on a regular basis.

Shauna Parnell, certified Jazzercise instructor for nearly 6 years, comes from a background of dancing, singing and musical theatre.  Put those together and you have what it takes to teach a rockin’ Jazzercise class!  Santa Clarita Jazzercise offers 12 classes per week in Valencia and Castaic.  You’re sure to find the convenience you need to stick with a workout program.  Remember, the only exercises that work are the ones you do!

The workout program, which offers a fusion of jazz dance, resistance training, Pilates, yoga, and cardio box movements, has positively affected millions of people worldwide. Benefits include increased cardiovascular endurance, strength, and flexibility, as well as an overall “feel good” factor.  For more information on Santa Clarita Jazzercise go to www.valenciajazz.com or call (800) FIT-IS-IT or (661) 254-8160.