If fitness is part of your New Year’s resolutions – and if you’re like most Americans, it is – Resolve to Evolve is where to begin. And we’re not just saying that because we know how awesome and effective our fitness challenges are. Nope, it’s because there are actual studies backing us up. Want to make your goal of weight loss or improved fitness stick in 2015? Here’s how you do it, in four easy steps.

1. Set a realistic goal.

This is what you’ll be working toward, so give it some thought. Don’t be vague here – I want to lose weight and get fit. Sounds great, but how are you going to measure your success? Don’t be wildly impractical – I want to lose forty pounds in two months. With a goal like that, you’re setting yourself up for failure unless you’re resorting to unhealthy measures like junk diet pills (which are speed. Be clear about that). Instead, be specific and realistic – I want to fit into my size six jeans from four years ago. Or I want to run a mile in under seven minutes. Or I want to be able to do forty push ups without stopping.

Not so coincidentally, this is part of your homework after orientation at our Resolve to Evolve fitness challenge. Set a goal, share it on our locked Facebook page, and let’s do this.

2. Find a training partner or group.

Studies have shown that enjoyment and energy exerted go up when you exercise in a group. Plus, your training partners hold you accountable when you don’t show up, and they can be the push you need to get to class in the first place.

At Freestyle Fitness, we don’t personal train one-on-one. Our group classes mean you’re working with a crowd of like-minded individuals. They’ll push you to work harder and they’ll celebrate your successes along the way. Our members are competitive in the very best sense, and you can’t help but be swept along.

3. Do something you enjoy.

If plodding on a treadmill makes you want to scream, no wonder you hate working out. When exercise is fun, you’re more likely to do it. See how that works? Our classes are intense – they’re designed that way – but they’re also a good time. Loud music, lots of energy, friendly faces, endorphins everywhere, you just can’t help but smile.

4. Commit yo-self.

Consistency is absolutely critical if you’re expecting results from any workout routine. Signing up now – right now, follow this link and sign up! – is a way of telling yourself that yes, you’re going to do this. You’re going to do it today and then you’re going to come back and do it again tomorrow and the day after and the day after. However you schedule it, get your four to six classes in every single week. Just make it happen. Commit yourself, and the other pieces will fall into place. Because when you’re working out hard consistently, adequate nutrition is a great chaser. And when you’re eating well and working out regularly, well, that’s the magic recipe for weight loss and improved fitness. Don’t tell the billion-dollar fitness industry you’re on to their best-kept secret though.

If you haven’t signed up for Resolve to Evolve – why not? Eight weeks for $99. Unlimited group fitness classes – both cardio and resistance. A realistic, totally doable nutrition plan. Nutrition seminars and yoga classes and a few other bonuses thrown in for good measure.

Orientation is this Saturday, January 3 at 10 am. Sign up, show up and make that New Year’s resolution stick.