If you are a beginner, getting fit ca be intimidating and complex. In reality, it doesn't have to be like that. Actually, getting in shape is very straightforward. Fortunately, you only need two things: discipline from you and a simple guideline from me.

First, you should arrange for a full physical examination from your physician. This is mandatory for people that have high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, or are obese. Once you have your doctor's approval to begin a fitness program, you should schedule a fitness assessment with a health professional at your gym.

While both of these are incredibly annoying, they are essential to your success and well-being. The benefits of a doctor's visit are obvious, particularly if you have one or more of the previously mentioned conditions but it also allows you and your doctor to discuss your lifestyle. Preventative medicine is far better than reactive medicine. Make your doctor part of your fat loss and health-building team along with the health professionals at your gym.

The benefits of your fitness test is about learning about your strenghts and weakness, not just to see how much body fat you have. If you want to success with your program you have to know what you are capable of.

The secret here is to start slow to reach your fitness success. If you want to pick up your University workouts where you left them 10 years ago, that's fine. But I guarantee you won't last a week. And you will fear the day when you have to start again.

One unknown benefit of your fitness assesment is that it will give you a nice workout to start with. It will give you a real view of what your body is up to. Once you do your fitness test you will know what your body weakness are and what you can really do and you will learn to work under those limits.

The fourth secret is to set your goals. It's more effective to have a plan and commit to it than trying to lose weight each year. Set some realistic goals and workout under your routine. If you don't do any excersise presently and haven't done so for some time now, start very slowly. Don't try to start at a high level. That beer-belly didn't grow overnight, and it won't disapear overnight.

Limit your initial workouts to 1 set per muscle group. In week 2, you should be ready to add another set. And if you want to build up to 3 sets, then do so in week 3. Slowly increase the weight and stay within your desired repetition range. At no time should you be too sore to function. And runners should also heed this advice. Too much running will guarantee shin splints in the early going. Avoid running on back to back days for the first two weeks and keep the distance short. Sore muscles are guaranteed when you lift. So keep the volume low.

Now, two great secrets to keep you on track and consistent with your fitness plan for fat loss.

First, build your social support team. Social support is the #1 factor for success for women in fitness programs, and is important for men as well. Support can come from your spouse, brother or sister, child, mom or dad, friend, neighbor, co-worker, personal trainer, or lifestyle coach. Don't try to go it alone. People respond better when they report to a person instead of a machine.

You also need to know that nutrition is the second most important factor for success in fat loss programs. That's why you don't need to train like a world-class athlete when you are starting to lose fat. Most of the fat you'll lose in the early going is because you have chosen to make better nutritional choices. And if you don't make better nutritional choices, even the best exercise program in the world isn't going to help you achieve your fat loss goals.

Nutrition should not be difficult. Just try to be reasonable in your food choices. If necesary, consult your doctor. Remember to cut sugar and syrups and check your calorie intake constantly.

If you are consistent with this plan you will success at your fat loss plan this time. Make this your year to get back in shape.