Have you started your exercise routine, only to find yourself frustrated as you reach a weight loss or fitness plateau?  Your sedentary job may be a bigger culprit than you realize.  Recent research from the U.K. shows that sitting for hours at a time is bad for your health, even if you exercise at the end of the day.

Ever wonder how long you need to workout to really be effective?  The American College of Sports Medicine in collaboration with the American Heart Association provides public health guidelines on the amount of physical activity needed to maintain and lose weight.  In order to maintain bodyweight and to lower the risk of cardiovascular disease and premature mortality, the guidelines recommend minimum of 30 minutes of moderately intense physical activity on most days of the week (a minimum of 2 ½ hours per week).

New Year's fitness resolutions are often established and abandoned well before Valentine's Day.  Many resolutions fail because they are set in general terms, such as "live healthier" or "get fitter", ideas that sound good but are hard to recognize.  If you already own a piece of fitness equipment, you may be resolving to use your elliptical more or commit to an exercise program.  To be successful, it's important to define what these resolutions will really mean in practice.

We all know that the few short weeks between Thanksgiving and New Years can derail even the most dedicated athlete.  While having access to fitness equipment in your home makes workouts accessible and convenient, you still need to plan your strategy.  If you're determined to maintain your fitness over the holiday season, consider the tips below.