The best exercises to start the New Year 2023 and get you in shape

This Sunday marked the start of the new year and, as usual, people are setting themselves resolutions and goals for 2023. That's why these dates are ideal to start these new challenges.

One of the most popular is to get fitter and exercise more regularly, either to gain muscle or lose weight.

Have a plank routine
In order to do this, there are a number of exercises that help to meet this new year's challenge. One very important routine is to have a plank routine, and following it daily for several seconds or minutes can be very beneficial according to yoga and pilates instructor Kristin McGee.

"A very manageable fitness resolution that most people can keep for the New Year is to hold a plank every morning. If you can spare a minute to brush your teeth,

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you can definitely find a minute for this exercise," she explained. "Planks are actually one of the best exercises I know, they exercise your whole body. "Start with 30 seconds and build up to one minute. By doing this first thing in the morning, you remind yourself to stay active all day long."

Crossfit
Crossfit is also advisable, as crossfit instructor Collette Stohler recommends: Set an effective goal that is specific, measurable, achievable, realistic and timely. For example, 'I would like to take three CrossFit classes a week for 60 days'. If at the end of those 60 days you achieved your goal, reward yourself with something worthwhile, such as a holiday or a massage.

Stohler recommends setting a reward to stay motivated: Just as you set your resolution at the beginning of the year, also plan your reward. That way, when you're in week five and you want to throw in the towel, you can remember that sweet reward that's so close.

Don't obsess about weight
Another guideline to keep in mind is not to focus only on weight but also on performance, as it can be a bit disheartening to see the scales not showing what we want them to, as Mac Perry, CEO of a gym looked to explain.

"Setting a performance goal can help keep you more motivated compared to a weight loss goal," he detailed.

"For example, a goal of 10 push-ups or touching your toes can create a healthy shift from focusing solely on aesthetics to performance."

Exercising as a couple
An alternative option is to exercise with a partner, as personal trainer Rebecca Mahoney says.

"Exercise with a partner, as it allows for a little friendly competition and increased accountability. Pick goals together and get to work! It's always a little easier when you know someone is cheering you on and waiting for you at the gym."

Cardio
And finally, exercise science professor Pat Davidson recommends doing cardio by setting yourself an ideal weight to reach. "One of the most common New Year's resolutions is weight loss or changes in fat composition or body weight," he confirmed.

"It helps if people set a target weight for themselves. Weight is easy to measure, as it requires a scale.

"The weight loss goal must be realistic. Too often, people have unrealistic expectations about how much weight they want to lose. Finally, you need to set a very specific timetable in which you want to achieve this goal."