We all start the New Year with the best of intentions to get in shape and stay that way, once all the frenzied Christmas eating and drinking is over. But how many of us actually make it stick? Here, top trainers from Les Mills share their tricks of the trade, to help you make the right choices and keep motivated.

1. Buddy Up
Team up with a friend and commit to workout times in advance. You’re far less likely to skive off training if it means letting your mate down.

2. Team Building
For amazing results join a team training programme and have a personal trainer put you through your paces. Being part of a team will encourage you to turn up to training regularly, go your hardest for your team, and establish an all important exercise routine.

3. Choose Your Groove
If the thought of pounding the treadmill leaves you cold, try a group fitness class. Les Mills Britomart Manager, Carrie Kepple says, “Nothing beats the energy of a group fitness class. A room full of people giving it all they’ve got will lift your performance too. Les Mills has got nine different group fitness classes to choose from taught by some of the world’s best instructors, so there will be something to suit everybody.”

4. See It
Create a vision board for your fridge or office wall. Make it aspirational by including pictures that motivate and inspire you – maybe a tropical beach, your summer party outfit or a person you admire for their perseverance and achievements. Look to this before you reach for the pantry, or if you are struggling to get pumped for your exercise routine.

5. Go Dry
We hate to ruin barbeque season but one of the most effective things you can do to shape up is lay off the booze. If you’re at parties go one for one – an alcoholic drink followed by a glass of water. Make sure you steer clear of sugary juices and soft drinks too, which can be just as fattening as booze.

6. Get Naked
Now we’re talking. Ditch the mayo, salad dressing, and butter on potatoes. Eat your food fresh, without all those sauces and accompaniments. You’ll very quickly reduce your fat intake.

7. Portion Police
Nibbles anyone? We all love cheese and crackers with our wine, or some good old chips and dip with a nice cold beer. But all this pre-dinner snacking won’t help to achieve your goals. Resist opening wine until dinner time and have just one glass with your food – it will stop the urge to consume half a platter of high fat treats before your main meal.

8. Fuel Up
Find yourself lagging at the end of the day and wondering how on earth you’ll make it through your gym session? If you work out in the evenings make sure that you skew your daily food intake so that you do most of your snacking (on sensible food choices) in the afternoon. This way you’ll have the energy you need to give it 100% during exercise.

9. Feel the Burn
Pumping iron will not necessarily make you big and muscley but it will definitely firm and tone your body. And the more muscle you have, the more fat your body burns all day, every day.

10. Talk to the Experts
“Talk to us, we’re here to help!”, says Carrie. “We know how to make sure you achieve your best results and we’re great at keeping you motivated when you feel anything but. Together we can help you achieve something to be proud of.”

Click here to be into win one of five double class passes to any Les Mills gym!

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