Note: please consult with your health care professional before starting a new exercise program.

Did you make a New Year’s resolution to lose weight or get in shape? How many years have you set the same resolution only to give up on it by February? You’re certainly not alone. We all have good intentions, but life sometimes seems to get in the way. Following are eight tips to get you started on the path to exercising this coming year.

1. Set goals. Start the year by setting yourself up for success with a specific exercise goal(s) that is S.M.A.R.T. (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timely).

2. Fit it in to your lifestyle. This year, find activities that will easily fit in to your lifestyle. If you have babies, consider a stroller-based workout. If you don’t have time to go to a gym, try exercise tapes or take a walk around your neighborhood. The best thing to do is to book some kind of exercise on your calendar just as you would any other appointment.

3. Find things that you enjoy. Don’t like the gym? Then don’t go. There are a million ways to get fit. Find activities that you enjoy. Consider any of the following: yoga, walking, running, tennis, basketball, racquetball, biking or swimming. The list goes on and on. Do what you enjoy and you’ll stick with it.

4. Reward yourself. It’s human nature to strive to achieve things when there’s a reward at the end. Set up some positive reinforcers for yourself such as a massage, a new outfit or even just a day to relax. Set a goal and set a reward that you will be excited to receive. Here’s an idea: Pay yourself every time you workout. At the end of the month, use that money to treat yourself to something.

5. Sign up for an event. If you are a walker, biker, runner or swimmer, there are lots of events from 5Ks to charity bike rides to marathons that you can sign up for. If you sign up for an event, you’re more likely to keep on track with your training because you know what you have to achieve and by when.

6. Find a workout pal. It’s easy to skip workouts when you only have yourself to hold accountable. A workout partner will help you stick to a routine. If you know that someone is depending on you, it’s tough to make excuses.

7. Involve your family. Create an active family. Instead of going to the mall on weekends, go for a family hike, bike ride or swim at the local pool. It will add a new element of fun for your family and will encourage you and your family to live a more active lifestyle.

8. Stay motivated. You’re more likely to stick with an exercise routine if it inspires you. That means different things to different people. For instance, consider buying new exercise clothes or an iPod or MP3 player so that you have motivating music to keep you going. If you get revved up every time you hear your favorite song, then by all means start your day with it!

Lisa Druxman, M.A., is the founder of Stroller Strides (www.strollerstrides.net), an exercise program to help moms get back in shape and have fun with their children.