Tough it out in grey February

So there we were, just a few weeks ago, prompted by the start of a new year (not to mention a killer hangover), promising that this time we really were going to turn over a new leaf. And here we are now, halfway through a grey February, where January's New Year's resolutions die. Our determination to get fit, run that marathon, go to the gym three times a week (tick whichever applies) is beginning to falter.

If you've hit the willpower wall, here are a few tips to help you get through it with your good intentions intact.

Don't worry. You're now six to seven weeks in, the initial rate of improvement has slowed down and it's easy to feel that you're not improving. But, trust me, you are.

Everyone's on the same path so gyms and classes are often full, and it's easy to see that as an excuse to fall off the programme. Try machines or exercises you haven't done before, go at a different time or on different days.

The best way to stay motivated is to stay interested. Do something new. Ever tried spin? Tango? Martial arts? Green gym? Pilates? (Sorry - couldn't resist it.) Whatever it is, there's never been a better time to give it a go - who knows, you might just love it.

Together is better. If you don't have a training buddy, now's the perfect time to get one. You'll be in it together, you'll gee each other up, and keep each other going. What's more, it's always harder to quit if you know you'll be letting someone else down.

Look ahead. Think about summer, about how you're going to look and feel when you achieved your goals.

The best thing about February is that it's a short month. It'll be over soon, so tough it out and let this be the year you surprise yourself.
David Higgins is co-founder of TenPilates