7 Healthcast: Exercise resolutions

It's one thing to say you're going to get in shape, but personal trainer Robert Dothard sees what really happens to those who base their new year's resolution on exercise.

"A lot of people have unrealistic goals," Dothard said. "I have so many people come up to me and go ‘I need to lose 15 pounds.’ Well, great, let's talk about what you're going to do after that 15 pounds."

Dothard recommends having a secondary goal and coming up with a reward system if you succeed. But he says the real secret to sticking with an exercise plan is accountability. He suggests enlisting a spouse or friend.

"Have them walk with you and exercise with you, because the day you don't want to do it, I promise you, your spouse or significant other will go, 'hey, let's go walking today' and that will help you move on," Dothard said.

Move on and hopefully, keep moving.

It's also helpful to break your exercise goals into smaller pieces so that you can achieve them. Writing your progress and goals in a journal can help.

And remember, experts say it takes three weeks to form a habit and six months for it to be part of your daily life.

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