It occurs every year. You’re sitting there on December 31st and contemplating what it is you are going to dictate as your New Year’s Resolution. For the large majority of people, their resolution resolves are weight loss or living a healthier life.

Now we’re at the end of January, and those that didn’t start on their resolution feel that it’s too late to do it. This is not the case as it is never too late to begin planning on a healthier lifestyle. In fact, there is even less pressure because you don’t have a label on what it is you’re doing — there is no ‘resolution’ — only a change in the way you’re eating, working out and living in general.

So now that we’ve gotten past the New Year’s Resolution jitters, you get to begin with a fresh outlook and a plan that revolves around long term goals rather than short term.

If you are unsure where to start, you can consult a professional that can help you determine where you stand now in terms of BMI, health issues and capabilities. They’ll also help you develop a plan to lose weight and change eating habits in a healthy manner in order to ensure you hit your long term goals and not worry about instant results. There could be supplements that you can take that can help control appetite and metabolism as well.

When it comes to working out and designing a regimen that is right for you, keep in mind that there are many different exercises that you can do to lighten the load on your body at the beginning. You don’t want to overdo it and exhaust your body right away — that will only leave you injured and unable to continue the routine.

Take your time. Working out is more about form to maximize the effectiveness that each workout has on your body rather than counting so many reps or trying to finish in the fastest time.