by Richard Andreoli

“Oh God,” you think, after seeing yourself naked on New Year’s morning. “I look as crappy as I feel.” Within seconds, promises emerge: eat less, drink less — a lot less — and work out more. “Yes!” you think. “This year, everything changes ...” And then a hangover wave hits, you crawl back into bed, turn on Food Network and order pizza.

Whether you’re working out for the first time or pushing past a plateau, “Getting in shape is hard work,” acknowledges Toby Johnson, a trainer and co-owner of Easton Gym, which has locations both in Santa Monica and Los Angeles. “If people aren’t enjoying it, getting the endorphin rush or finding validation for their work, then it’s easy to fail.”

True enough, so we came up with some hints on making your New Year fitness resolutions stick:

1. Find the right space

L.A. offers plenty of gyms at varying price ranges. Try some out. Experienced muscle studs may need a change to re-energize themselves, while newbies who find a comfortable, encouraging space are less likely to quit.

2. Find a motivator

“I want a hot body and good health,” you think. If wanting provided results, we’d all have WeHo abs, immortality and 10 inches of manhood. So hire a personal trainer who will push you to achieve goals and charge you for a session—even if you flake (money is a powerful motivator). “If you can’t afford a trainer, a workout partner is a great tool to keep you in the gym,” Johnson says.

3. Make attainable goals

Pick something reasonable, like losing weight or building muscle mass. “This is especially helpful if you’re starting out,” Johnson says. “Once a goal is attained, it’s easy to set more interesting goals and keep going.”

4. Find a new posse

Marathons, group cycling or sports leagues help you be physical, meet people and add new fitness elements into your routine.

5. Find the right diet

Experts say that diet influences 70-80 percent of your body composition. “But there are quality-of-life issues,” says Johnson, explaining that if a diet makes you miserable, it may not be right for you. “Try a few diets until you find one that works and gives you a lifestyle you want to live.”

6. Find the time

“I’m busy!” We all are, Wendy Whiner, so drop the excuses and make time. “If you’re too tired to hit the gym at night, make the mornings work,” Johnson advises. “You can also go at lunch or find a gym that’s open until midnight. Even a half-hour workout is better than eating a cupcake.”

7. Stick with it

But what if I fail? You might. And it’s not the end of the world. There is no “right” fitness resolution, so try multiple gyms, trainers and classes until you create a plan that works for you. Just keep trying! You may think you hate running or boxing, but different classes and instructors can often turn an old hate into a new passion. The bottom line is to enter 2008 with a positive attitude, doing some kind of physical activity that will ultimately energize your body and soul.

The Details

Easton Gym
1233 Third St. Promenade
Santa Monica
8053 Beverly Blvd.
Los Angeles
www.eastongym.com