So people are starting to implement their new years resolutions, or they’re trying to, or maybe they think they should. Or maybe they’re just plain worried about bikini season, which isn’t really that far away. You’ve got plenty of time to get in shape before you hit the beach or the pool this summer, but only if you start now.

It can be daunting, starting a new excercise program or undertaking any major task. Many people get frustrated and overwhelmed. Don’t let that happen to you. Guys like myself, take training very seriously and if you’ve got one like me then why not enlist their help. A workout buddy is always great. If not, I’ve got five easy steps to the body of your dreams.

Decide

Really commit to this. To decide to do something means to cross that bridge and then burn it once it’s behind you, so that you have no choice but to go forward.  Cut off all other options and really burn it into your mind that this is going to happen and that failure isn’t an option. Once you really, truly decide then you’re ready to go to step two.

Come up With a Plan

You can do this yourself, but it is probably best to hire a professional, at least if you’re new or returning to fitness. That can mean hiring a nutritionist, a personal trainer, or someone else. It can be expensive, but it doesn’t have to be. You can find personal trainers online who will design a training and nutrition program based on your goals, a skype conversation and some photos.  Maybe you have a friend who’s a trainer. Or maybe you just decide to go to yoga six days a week. Whatever you do, you need to have a plan and you need to be as incredibly specific as possible in order to achive success. Why? You need to know what you want and it’s not enough to just know what you want. You need to touch it, taste it, smell it. You need to know how it feels to have and how having it affects every aspect of your existence. I can’t quite tell you why this is a big deal and really important, but it is.

Execute Plan

The greatest plan on Earth is worthless if you don’t put it into practice. That means doing it, and more importantly, doing it on a consistent basis. If you want to work out three days a week, great! Do it no matter what. If you want to work out three times a day for six days a week, great! Do it no matter what. You have to be faithful to your plan if you want it to work.

Baby Steps

You can’t go from couch potato to pro bodybuilder overnight, but many people try to. Injuries aren’t really that common in fitness. Mostly, they occur when people are beginning a new training program or suddenly amp up their existing one, or simply if they fail to stretch and warm up consistently. Don’t be stupid. Go slow, but that doesn’t mean half ass it. Ramp up slowly. And steadily.

Hold Yourself Accountable

For some, this can mean telling everyone and their brother that you’re going to start working out, so you will be guilted into doing it. For others it’s taking pictures of themselves in their underwear so that they can measure the progress of their training. Whatever that is, do it. Hold yourself accountable and you can’t go wrong.