It has been two weeks since the start of a new year and if you haven’t already put on your running shoes, pull out that dusty yoga mat from your store room or made any effort to start moving, here’s how to get started on your exercise regime to get back in shape.

1. Set a goal and come up with a comprehensive plan

In addition to defining your goals of losing certain amount of weight or getting into a dress of a certain size, come up with concrete plans of how you are going to achieve those goals.

Some examples of those may be:

- Work out thrice a week for one hour each

- Take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator whenever possible

2. Decide what kind of exercise or activities you want to engage in

Choose something that you’ll enjoy and can see yourself participating in for a period of time without getting bored of it. Don’t fancy soaking yourself in a pool of chlorine? Try cycling, jogging, aerobics, dancing, kick-boxing or yoga.

Can’t decide?

3. Go for trials

Trial classes are most of the time, free, or charge minimal fees. You will never really know if you would like kick-boxing or yoga until you’ve tried it. Even if you’ve decided to stick to yoga, research on the different kinds of yoga -- Hatha, Ashtanga (more commonly referred to as power yoga), Bikram (also known as hot yoga) – and the various schools and courses that appeal to you and are convenient.

4. Make a decision

Decided on a mid-week, after-work kick-boxing class and a weekend yoga course? Good for you! Write it down in your planner and be sure to…

5. Stick to it!

Starting an exercise regime may be easy but sticking to it? Probably not that simple without a strong determination. Keeping note of what you have done and your progression towards your goal might be a great way to motivate yourself. Staying active and injecting a variety of activities to your regime also helps in keeping you fit and getting you in shape.