We have just begun the new year and are probably not even thinking about the next major holiday, but why wait. Valentines Day is just around the corner. Visions of romance, a fancy dinner out, a walk on the beach, or maybe a night "in" is in store for you this year. So what are you waiting for? Make February 14th the goal date to hit your mark to be fit. You have to make goals to allow for action to occur and the first step to ensuring that goals are carried out is setting a date.

First things first - get out a calendar and figure out how many days you have to nip this in the butt and get into shape! Once you have done this we can get down to business.

Like all great fitness plans, exercising wouldn't be very beneficial without a paired healthy eating plan, so let's start here. The easiest and most cost-effective way to begin is to write out all of the items that you usually intake on any given day. Next, write out approximately how many calories belong to each item. Now, cut this down to around 1200-1500 calories. If this is entirely impossible to do by rationing down some items, then you need to begin substituting current items for lower calorie foods.  (I.E. nuts, eggs, lowfat yogurt, 100 calorie snacks, sandwiches w/hummus or lowfat dressing, fish, chicken, veggies, fruits, sugar-free hot chocolate or coffee w/out milk) These are some basic ideas.  Once you have your eating plan down to 1400 calories or below, (2000 for men), you are ready to start the exercise side of the plan.

Depending on your personal fitness level, you may need to start out with shorter, less climactic workouts and ease your way up to longer and more intense workouts. You eventually need to be getting a 40-45mn. cardio workout, where you burn anywhere from 4-600 calories, in at least 3 times a week, preferably 5. (Note: The 5 days a week is just for a short time, to again - really nip this in the butt!) Along with cardio, a solid weight training/resistance workout is needed.

The weight training/resistance workout exercises are totally dependent on your personal preference and style. They should be done at least twice a week. I would suggest attending a group exercise class, centered around weights. This would ensure you would get the proper training, if you have never used weights before. It would also give you a great workout that is harder to wimp out on when an instructor and other students are watching.  If you have used weights before, a class is still a great option. However, if you do not like the idea of attending a group fitness class, working with dumbells and hand weights on your own works just as well.  Make sure you get all body areas covered: triceps, biceps, back, glutes, legs and shoulders. For ideas on how to work these areas properly go to www.24hourfitness.com or www.makeyouhappen.com (a fitness magazine, specializing in techniques).

Lastly, don't forget to stretch after every workout. This will help keep your body free from injury and help promote flexibility. Also, it never hurts to work out your abdominals every single day. If you can, dedicate at least 5 minutes to your abs, after every workout. 

Everyone deserves a 'seventh' day, where they do not have to diet or exercise, so give yourself one of these too, Don't overdo it, however. The best thing is to save the one thing you have really been craving all week for this day, and don't think about it - just enjoy!

Good luck - I hope you have a Fit and fantastic Valentine's Day!! with LOVE ;)