Most of us know that a regular fitness plan is essential for a healthier lifestyle, although many elements seem to come in the way of our good intentions and sticking to the fitness routine is not always easy.

It is important to be persistent in the fitness plan in order to fight boredom, lack of time and self-confidence, if you use some imagination you will manage to overcome the hurdles, which are stalling you from exercising. Regular exercising will also boost your energy level and general well being.

Try getting up early if you have a busy day ahead, do this twice a week and exercise for about 30 minutes, your body will soon adapt to this new routine and get used to getting up earlier for regular morning exercising.

If you do not have much time, try fitting in shorter periods of 10 minute walks throughout the day, parking the car at a longer distance from work will require you to walk longer distances and provide additional exercise.

Take advantage of those moments with the children or with friends to integrate an exercising plan, such as a bicycle excursion or a morning at the swimming pool.

At times regular exercising can get boring, more so if you are doing it alone, so try and give your exercises a regular rotation, between swimming, walking and cycling, and share these with others.

If you exercise in groups, amongst friends, relations or colleagues this will encourage you and the others to persist and time will pass without much effort.

It may also be a good idea to find out what other sports activities your local health club or recreational centre proposes; this is a chance for you to find out about new activities and socialize at the same time.

Not everyone is happy to exercise in groups, if you prefer to do so alone, you can think of getting a climbing stair machine, a treadmill or stationary bicycle.