New year, new you. ‘We’ve heard it all before’ I hear you say. Forget that little tyre you’re carrying that you blame on the last helping of turkey and stop moaning about how much you simply dread the gym. Take a look at the bigger picture and think about the real plus to get fit in 2012.

1.) You’ll live longer
Exercise can reduce the risk of obesity, heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and cancer.  Eat well and exercise…it’s isn’t rocket science!

2.) You’ll be a love machine
A good workout gets the blood pumping around your body for up to several hours after you’ve finished training. Men and women should know that exercise makes them lots more likely to feel ‘in the mood’ in 2012…

3.) You’ll lose weight safely
Forget that crash diet – if you want shed pounds without harming your health, you need to hit the gym. Fad dieting following the Christmas binge may seem like a good idea at the time, but come February you’re more than likely going to have to start all over again as the pounds creep back on. Studies have shown that working out releases appetite-suppressing hormones so you can do it without feeling that you’re starving yourself.

4.) You’ll be more confident
People who exercise have greater self-esteem and are more satisfied with their bodies, according to research. Being more confident will make you more comfortable in the company of women and men. You feel great, your skin radiates and in turn you become many a persons object of desire. What could be better than that?
5.) You’ll beat the blues
January blues? Before you ask your GP for a course of mind-mangling , troublesome antidepressants or a quick dose of Valium, try this natural solution: exercise three times a week. Working out releases your body’s happy hormones – serotonin and norepinephrine – so you’ll be more positive and less stressed. Think about what you’d be doing normally during the times you’re out exercising (there’s always the record button on the TV you know!)

6.) You’ll be smarter
Exercise was found to stimulate the growth of new brain cells by a study undertaken not too long ago. While I can’t guarantee you Oxford Uni acceptance, you may well beat your aunt, uncle or boyfriend at the Buzz! Quiz on the playstation.

7.) You’ll sleep better
Exercise moderately and not only will you sleep better, you’ll fall asleep more quickly too. Zzzzzz…

Fitness can help you get a promotion
Hello bigger office and yes please pay rise. The first rule of trying to get a promotion is to not take too many days off. According to business advisory firm Deloitte, those who exercise for 150 minutes each week take fewer sick days than those who don’t. The second rule is to do good work. Exercise can also help here because it increases the blood flow to your brain, aiding concentration.

Speaking of taking less days off, if you’re an employer looking to run a New Year course for employees in 2012, you might want to think about a training programme which gets staff active. They’ll be happier, and you’ll receive less sick notes – think about it…

Book in now with 5 Star Fitness for a healthier, fitter and more gorgeous you in 2012.

Get fit this year with 5 Star Personal Training