Year in, year out we find ourselves craving for change. We shake off all the bad habits that we have grown to dread and look forward to the renewing ourselves when the new year rolls in. We write down our resolutions before the ball drops and pray—long and hard—that we follow them through the coming twelve months.

It's great to commit to bettering ourselves, even when it comes once a year, but like everyone else we often start strong and later drop into a slipper slope. We sign up for a gym membership, we buy the right gear and equipment, we even urge our friends that this year is our year. But two months in we fall back into a pattern of excuses until it's the New Year again. Onto the same promises just waiting to be broken.

But what if we have a real fix? Nothing grand, nothing hard. Just you taking small steps and making a true commitment that you can follow through. See our list of five simple ways to actually keep your fitness resolutions.

Home Stretch

You've probably heard this before but starting your day with a good stretch can make an actual difference. Before you take your breakfast or brew your morning coffee try to warm up your body with simple movements. Remember those head-shoulder-knees-and-toes routine that you would do in grade school? Something as simple as that or as complex as Sun Salutations could be a great way to say good morning to your body.

morning cardio

Have you done those home stretches yet? Let's add another step to your simple morning routine: cardio! Don't dread it just yet, something as easy as jumping jacks or jump ropes could already do the job. If you're up for the challenge, why not go for a run or a bike ride? Commit to keeping your heart healthy as part of your resolutions.

Fitness refresher

We often get bored when we do the same exercise routine day in and day out. Keep yourself from hitting the snooze button and skipping your workout out of boredom by mixing it up. Sign up for a class you've never taken before, add more plates to your weights, or explore a new move at the gym.

It's a Collective

Nothing works like team work. Round up a few friend next time you're thinking of hitting the gym. Sharing your routine and experience with people you care about, or even a community that shares your goals can make it an exciting time. You're not an island anymore, but rather part of a collective that has their eyes set on the same prize.

Power through

This one is a hard pill to swallow, but when the going gets rough, you just have to keep pushing. When you're feeling down or like you've hit a plateau with your progress, simply power through. It's not easy. It's not fun. But you'd be glad that you kept your promise to yourself and powered through the excuses that has stopped you from reaching your fitness goals before.

Getting in shape and switching out your bad habits is not an easy resolution to commit to. But taking the first step is just something that you have to do, once you go through that hurdle all you have to do is commit and see it through. These five tips may seem easy, but it truly is up to you.