Use these top ten fitness tips to get your workout routine started today. As always, talk with your doctor before starting a new fitness or nutrition program.

1. Set realistic and tangible goals: Simply stating that you want to lose weight is not effective. Be specific. For example, I want to lose five pounds of fat by 14th February.
2. Measure your progress: Take your base measurements and then re-take them on a regular basis. You cannot measure your progress if you have no idea where you started.
3. Log your workouts: Each and every workout session should be logged. Keep all of your fitness logs in a binder and create your very own success journal.
4. Mix up your cardio workouts: Cardio sessions should vary in intensity and in length. Try new cardio activities and keep things fresh.
5. Strength training is not just for men: Everyone should strength train. Strength training builds muscle and increases bone density. Train all major muscle groups one–three times per week.
6. Rest: Get seven to nine hours of deep sleep each and every night. Also rest your muscles by not working out one to two days each week.
7. Warm up: Warm up for five to ten minutes before every workout session. You should feel a rise in your body temperature.
8. Cool down: Cool down by stretching out your entire body. This helps increase flexibility and decrease muscle soreness the next day.
9. Nutrition is half the battle: Eating small meals throughout the day complements your fitness routine. Learn to eat healthy and kick diets out of your life forever.
10. Stay motivated: Find a workout partner. Sign up for a marathon. Work with a personal trainer. Do whatever it takes to remain committed. If you falter, let go of guilt and get back on your routine as soon as possible.

These fitness tips build the foundation of a safe and effective fitness program. Anyone can drop body fat and gain lean muscle mass by following a realistic workout and nutrition plan. Stay the course and you will be healthier and happier for it.

Lynn VanDyke is the creator of A Step-by-Step Guide: How to Melt the Fat and Gain a Life. It is the only program that shows you exactly how to eat, exercise and succeed with life. The 400+ page interactive program comes complete with over 100 exercises, 130 daily menus, 63 ways to stick with it and loads more. Learn more by visiting melt-the-fat.com.