Here's to a healthy New Year!(FITNESS)

It's 2006 and you're hoping that your New Year's resolution to exercise on a regular basis will last all year long. Sure, there'll be obstacles--like bad weather and other people's needs--but there are ways to deal with each and every one of them. As a personal trainer, I have helped many women stay committed by helping them jump over the hurdles. Maybe with these solutions, you'll finally succeed in making this year the healthiest ever.

[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]

Obstacle #1: TIME

Women tend to put their family or job responsibilities first before they take care of their own health. Some women don't think they are important enough to take the time to make exercise a priority. That is until they start to feel they don't have the same energy as they used to, or get a diagnosis of osteoporosis or other medical condition that forces them to incorporate exercise into their lives.

Solution: Make yourself a priority now. You're just as important as everybody and everything else. If you can't get to the gym, try doing a little stretching at home or walk around the block before you head off on your busy day. If you do have a set time to go to your local studio or gym, then try not to let anything stand in your way. Think about it: You wouldn't dream of cancelling an important meeting or making sure your child gets to a doctor's appointment, would you? Then try to give your health the same priority.

Obstacle #2: GYM-ITIS

Many women say that they don't feel comfortable around all the new-fangled exercise equipment and/or the large company franchise gym environments.