Have you made your New Year's resolutions yet? For a lot of us, getting in shape is right up at the top of the list, especially if we're feeling stuffed after enjoying all the festive fun (and food!) on offer at Christmas. But all too often our good intentions crumble when we're faced with expensive gym memberships, our hectic work schedule and family commitments, or the intimidating fitness goals we've set ourselves, and we end up back on the sofa.
The good news is that getting fit doesn't need to be expensive, time consuming or scary. You can stick to that resolution, and you can do it all in the comfort of your own home.
You don't need a pricey gym membership or fancy equipment - just taking ten minutes to fit some simple exercises into your daily routine can make all the difference. In fact, setting realistic goals that don't take up too much time or money is the best way to keep motivated and make sure you stay on track. Just make sure you start slowly and don't push yourself too hard too fast - once you've built up your confidence you can take things a bit further. The minute you start to criticise yourself you'll be tempted to give up, so celebrate your achievements, no matter how small they may seem.
If you're not sure where to start, The Children's Society's new 30 day sponsored fitness challenge, Tough n Buff, will help get you on the road to fitness. With a menu of basic exercises - from squats and planks to push ups and burpees - for any level of fitness, it's the perfect way to ease yourself into a new fitness regime for 2016. Knowing your friends and family are sponsoring you will give you that extra little push to keep going if your motivation dips.
Even better, by taking on the Tough n Buff challenge you'll be converting the pounds you lose into pounds raised for the UK's most vulnerable children. It's a cause that's very close to my heart because, like so many of the young people The Children's Society helps, my childhood was blighted by poverty and neglect. My involvement in sport and fitness turned my life around, and I really believe that exercise can have a positive impact on everybody - from the incredible transformation I experienced to the little changes that matter so much like improving your confidence, lifting your mood, or just giving you some precious 'me' time during a busy or stressful day.
And if you do need any more incentive to keep that New Year's resolution, just remember that with The Children's Society's Tough n Buff challenge you'll be helping to transform the lives of some of our most disadvantaged children and young people. So go on, get up off that sofa!
Sarah is supporting The Children's Society's Tough n Buff fitness challenge. See Sarah's exclusive 'how to' videos and sign up at www.toughnbuff.org.uk