A Dozen Tips to Help Keep Your 2012 New Year's Resolution

However, statistics show that about two-thirds of Americans will make a New Year's Resolution for 2012, but less than 20 percent of people will actually keep those resolutions. Some studies have found as low as 5 percent of people keep them.

Here are a dozen tips - one for each month of the year- to help improve the odds of keeping your resolution, and in turn better yourself in 2012.

1. Set attainable resolutions - Be reasonable when making your New Year's Resolution by setting reasonable goals. Instead of saying you want to lose 50 pounds or run a marathon, set more attainable short-term goals such as vowing to work out 3-4 times a week and-or lose 10-20 pounds. Be open to adjusting your resolution some if it's not quite working out - that's a lot better than quitting altogether.

2. Walk or bike to work - This will help you work in some extra exercise. If you live too far from work, then consider getting off a stop or two early on a bus or subway trip to help get more fit.

3. Take steps instead of elevator - This can help burn extra calories in many instances and be part of a fitter lifestyle.

4. Socialize with fitness - Instead of sitting down with a friend to a long lunch or dinner, meet them for a long walk or jog.

5. Pack your lunch - Bring your food to the office to regulate portion control and know that you are eating healthy ingredients.

6. Avoid past failures - Don't make resolutions that you've set in the past that always seem to fail. If you do try to repeat a resolution that's failed in the past, try altering it some.

If you are trying to take on a really major resolution that's been unsuccessful before, like quitting smoking or drinking, then this time seek professional assistance. If you've failed repeatedly in weight loss or other fitness goals, then maybe working with a dietician or trainer will help get you over the hump.

7. Stick with it at least two weeks - Most resolutions are lost before January is even a few weeks old. The most crucial time to keeping a resolution is the first two weeks, so be tough on yourself the first two weeks even if it's really hard. If you can get through those two weeks you're obviously still not home free, but it will be a lot easier.

8. Create a game plan - Map out a plan on how to keep your resolution. Jot down ideas on how you'll be able to follow through and you can write down some of the hurdles you expect will present themselves.

9. Use the buddy system - If you can find a workout buddy, it will make things easier for you to stick to a program. You will have someone else to be accountable to and you can both push each other.

10. Allow a few cheat days - Remember that it is OK to allow yourself a "cheat" day and miss a workout or eat foods you crave. Just try to get back on track the next day.

11. Set yourself up for success - If you have existing workout equipment, get it ready to go as soon as possible in the New Year. That could mean cleaning it and inspecting it and calling a service man or fitness company to make any needed repairs. Get your music in order that will help inspire you during workouts. You could also take stock in what exercise equipment you have and make a decision to add a new piece or pieces to get you going.

12. Write it down - A workout log will help you stay organized, chart your progress, serve as a motivator and also set goals for the future.

Find all your home fitness equipment needs at At Home Fitness

Aaron Dorksen, sports editor of The Daily Record in Wooster, Ohio, has won numerous Associated Press state and national awards. He was voted Ohio AP sports writer of the year in 2006. Dorksen was a scholastic multi-sport athlete and is still a competitive slowpitch softball player, while also remaining an avid weightlifter, cyclist and runner.