The One Thing You Need to Do to Actually Stick to Your Fitness Resolution

Raise your hand if you resolved to go on a new exercising kick in an attempt to get a Kayla Itsenes–level body starting January 1, 2016. Like, all of us, right? As easy as it is to say "don't give up," we really don't want you to. That's why we asked nine of the top fitness experts in the country to give their one major key to success to actually sticking to a fitness routine.

Set measurable goals. "An example of a measurable goal is holding a plank for 30 or 60 seconds. You will be motivated to see your increased strength and stamina, which will keep you focused on your ultimate wellness goal." —David Kirsch, a personal trainer who works with Jennifer Lopez

Find a workout or regimen that you genuinely love. "With so many workout trends and theories circulating right now, there are so many ideas about what you should or should not be doing, and it can get very overwhelming. As long as you are practicing something you actually love and get excited to do, you will stick with it continuously and eventually make it part of your lifestyle." —Akin Akman, a New York City SoulCycle instructor.

Recognize the ways that you have failed yourself. "Figure out where they came from and tell yourself that you deserve better." —Tracy Anderson, a celebrity trainer who works with Gwyneth Paltrow and Khloé Kardashian

Ease yourself into a routine. "A lifestyle change doesn't happen overnight; gradual progress and improvement is how one can make sustainable change in their daily life. It could be something as simple as doing at least 30 minutes of activity or movement every day or trying out a new workout once a week." —Vanessa Packer, a nutritionist who founded ModelFit

Keep track of your progress. "Keeping track of your growth is an amazing way to both see what you are actually building and to remaining committed. I suggest to many of my clients that they keep a journal. Go buy one that reflects who you are, and write down each time you take a stride closer to your goal. That way, at any point in time, when you’re flying high from a workout or feeling really tired and defeated (the truth of life some days), you can thumb through your pages and remind yourself of how far you’ve come and how badass you really are." —Eve Lynn Kessner, a New York City SoulCycle instructor

Draft a schedule. "Create a new schedule with your workouts fit into your day (preferably in the morning so you are less likely to feel too tired once you're home from work). And don't cancel! When you wake up or whenever you've scheduled this meeting with yourself, just go. The less you think about it, the fewer excuses you will make." —Anna Victoria, an Instagram fitness star and the creator of the Fit Body Guides

Find a workout buddy. "Whether it's someone you're just getting to know or your best friend, having someone else relying on you to show up helps. You're much less likely to hit snooze if you know your friend will give you crap about it later." — Edward Pagac, a Los Angeles SoulCycle instructor

Get a Fitbit. "Make sure you move at least 10,000 steps a day." —Harley Pasternak, a personal trainer who works with Kris Jenner and Jessica Simpson

Make sure you're always having fun. "Ask yourself, 'Does this activity bring me joy? Will I look forward to it? Does excitement build when I think of it?' What ignites you may not ignite someone else. If you're passionate about your fitness, you're getting the inside right." —David Zint, a Los Angeles SoulCycle instructor