Is one of your New Year’s Resolutions to start an fitness routine? Any new habit may have challenging beginnings, but in time, nearly anything can become habitual. In this case, we’re talking about a habit that has incredible benefits, so let’s see what you can do to get exercising every day!

You’ll notice in the tips below I mention mobile apps several times. Fitness apps for your iPhone, Android or Windows mobile device are an amazing new development in health and fitness that you should take full advantage of. There are health apps with workouts to follow, progress and goal tracking, food, calorie tracking, and so much more. In fact, apps can help with every tip below.

Since you have your phone with you at all times, what better way to use it to develop healthy habits. Instead of sitting on the couch playing games or chatting with friends, use that phone to lose weight and get in shape!

1. Schedule it. The number one reason people claim they don’t exercise regularly is a lack of time. You make time for a variety of other things every day: eating meals, taking a shower, driving to and from work, television, and more, why should exercise be different?
   • Use your phone to set reminders and alerts, better yet, use a fitness app designed to help plan your routine and workouts.
2. Find a workout buddy. The number two reason people don’t exercise is boredom or loneliness. Get out there with a good friend or your significant other. It’s a good time to spend with others and can definitely make things a lot more enjoyable.
   • A workout partner will also make you feel a greater sense of responsibility; no one likes to let other people down. It’s a little easier to think, “I’ll do it tomorrow,” when we know there isn’t someone depending on us.
   • Your buddy can’t make it or can’t find one? Many mobile apps these days are like virtual trainers, coaching and spurring your on while you workout.
3. Change it up. Come up with a variety of activities. There’s no reason you can’t swim one day, walk the next, and play some basketball the day after that. So think about everything the world has to offer and keep yourself entertained as well. Joining a sports league could take care of a lot of your exercise needs.
   • Again, another area where mobile apps can help as they can supply an endless amount of workouts and exercise ideas. There are fitness apps that have workouts designed by fitness professionals you can follow, or other apps that can track almost any outdoor fitness activity.
4. Take it easy. Perhaps you remember high school and the 5-minute mile you used to run on the track team too well. If you haven’t been active lately, a little reality will serve you better. As long as you’re getting comfortably tired by the end of your workout, you’re on the right track.
   • You don’t need to finish your workout on the ground in a breathless heap. High-intensity exercise is great for conditioning, but isn’t any better for your health than less intense options.
5. Make it easy to exercise. Driving halfway across town in rush hour traffic is enough for anyone to find an excuse to skip a day. The truth is that a health club really isn’t necessary. A simple set of weights, a jump rope, or some running shoes are probably all you really need. You may have a basketball court in your driveway and a tennis court down at the park.
   • People in the military get into great shape with little more than calisthenics and running. Make it easy enough to exercise that you don’t have a good excuse not to head out the door.
6. Track your progress with apps. It’s a lot easier to stay interested and motivated when you can see some real progress. Fortunately, there are dozens of fitness apps for iPhones, Android and Windows gadgets to measure progress and even help while you workout. Some health apps are quite sophisticated and can even help monitor sleep! Take full advantage of amazing fitness and health apps.

Exercising daily is a great addition to include your life. It can be challenging to get into the habit, but relatively easy to stick with it after the initial period has passed. Get out there with a friend and have some fun every day! You’ll be healthier, feel better, and look better.