Hello everyone, welcome to the new year! New year, new you right?

At least that’s what most people like to think. This is going to be your year, it’s time to make things happen. Let the new year inspire you and get down to business. It’s time for redemption. Strike out the demons of 2016 with a motivating workout. Yes, I said workout. For some, that may include going into uncharted territory, but I promise it’ll be so worth it. Do some simple static stretches, run in place, and charge head on into a fit new year. You don’t have to go to the gym every day. As long as you work hard and stay focus, you will certainly see results.

In case you’re still hesitant here’s a few tips to help you begin and stay on track this year.

1. EAT HEALTHY

Being in college is hard, I get it. We don’t always have control of the food that is offered to us. However, we always have the willpower to steer clear of all that unhealthy food that tempts us. Set goals for yourself. Challenge yourself. It’s going to be hard, but once you make eating healthy a habit you will cherish the results. Fueling your body with the right food will help amp your body for amazing workouts. Not only will nutritious food give your body energy its benefits will present itself in various other ways as well. It can help you sleep better, wake up easier, and have an overall more energetic array.

2. LISTEN TO YOUR BODY

Nobody can walk into a gym and lift the heaviest weight. There are going to be people there that have been training for months, even years, so don’t let it get you down. Instead, let their progress and intensity motivate you. It’s always good to push yourself and work as hard as you can. But the most important thing to keep in mind is listening to your body. Know your body, and know where to start. If that means running for one minute or sixty minutes, you have to start somewhere. And if you’re intimidated by all of it here are endless workout videos and ideas online to help get you started.

3. BE BOLD

Be bold, be fierce, be you. Maybe running isn't for you. What about weight lifting? Spinning? Yoga? There are ENDLESS different workouts and outlets for you to channel your athletic persona. Run, jog, take a Zumba class, whatever feels right, just do it. Get up and get moving. It may feel uncomfortable at first, but the more you get moving the easier it will get. So don't be afraid of people looking at you because chances are they're not. So give it all you got and never be afraid what those around you are thinking. They harder you push the more they’ll stare, so give them something to look at!

4. MOST IMPORTANTLY BREATHE

Know what you're doing before you get there. I work out every morning, but each and every person is different. So find a time that works for you and stick with it. If you have a routine, it will make following through so much easier. And keep in mind every time that you go you may not have a boat load of energy. Sometimes I go and feel so unmotivated that I leave after twenty minutes. But hey at least I went right?? But more frequently, you're going to walk into the gym with a plan, and you're going to kill that exercise. Maybe even find yourself doing things you never thought you could do. Whatever it is, do it. Do whatever makes it worth it.

You got this! Baby steps, it all takes time. You have to start somewhere.

So grab a friend, put on some stylish workout clothes, and get down to business Being healthy is about loving yourself, and your body. So wake up tomorrow, and start the new year off right. You are the boss, it’s redemption time.