FUSION Sports Centres across the South Hams are offering free leisure passes throughout February to help you keep your New Years Resolutions.

As we move on from January, new figures reveal that three quarters of Devon adults made New Year’s Resolutions this year – and are highly motivated to keep them.

Leisure charity, Fusion Lifestyle, conducted research that found 76 per cent of Devonians made New Year’s Resolutions last month.

A desire for a fitter and healthier future dominated the type of pledges people made, with the most popular New Year’s Resolution being to exercise more – according to more than half of people - 53 per cent - surveyed. Next on the list was a commitment to lose weight, 44 per cent, eat healthily, 40 per cent and set new fitness goals, 23 per cent.

Keeping New Year’s Resolutions is notoriously challenging and the research found one in five people people didn’t manage to keep their resolutions beyond January last year! However, a determined 18 per cent managed to keep theirs all year.

The top two reasons their good intentions failed came down to lack of willpower and the initial enthusiasm wearing off.

Despite the end of January often signalling the end to many a New Year’s Resolution in the past, an optimistic 79 per cent of the Devonians polled said they were determined to stick to any resolutions and personal goals they make in 2017.

Fusion Lifestyle operates 93 diverse sports and leisure facilities across the UK and recently took over the running of seven local leisure facilities across the South Hams and West Devon.

To help you make your move to a healthier lifestyle, Fusion Lifestyle has launched the Make Your Move campaign, and you can visit: www.findyourfusion.com to claim a free one-day pass for February – and sign up a friend to join you for free too.

Rob Taylor, Operational Business Manager for the South West, Fusion Lifestyle said: ‘New Year’s Resolutions begin with such hope and enthusiasm and it can be hard to maintain that, but new and positive changes get easier and more rewarding over time.

‘Our research found that people in Devon crave more active, healthier lifestyles and are showing a steely determination to make it happen. These are perfectly achievable goals and we are committed to helping the people of Devon have a healthier 2017.’

Top five tips for keeping health and fitness New Year’s Resolutions throughout the year:

· Try something new: New Year’s Resolution should be used as an opportunity to try new ways of staying active – getting fit doesn’t have to mean spending hours on a treadmill! Try out an exercise class, build up your laps in the pool, or ask your gym to put together a programme for you. By constantly varying your routine you will find new ways of keeping your body on its toes!

· Get fit with a buddy: It’s not fun doing things on your own, but by getting family and friends involved you can share the journey and encourage healthier lifestyles for those around you.

Get your children involved in meal times by teaching them how to cook a healthy dish, or make a pact with a friend to exercise together once a year. Having someone to help motivate and inspire you will go a long way in achieving your goals.

· Set small challenges: Big changes don’t happen overnight and the small milestones are an important part of the journey. Stay motivated by setting mini goals, for example if you are looking to lose a stone in six months, try breaking it down into more manageable monthly amounts.

You will soon see that the small things are making a big difference, not only to your body, but also to you attitude and approach to health.

· Reward Yourself: If you achieve a goal, then make sure you reward yourself – you deserve it! By recognising the work and progress you are making, you are sure to stay focused, making small successes feel that little bit sweeter.

It could be a simple as indulging in a new pair of jeans after shifting a few stubborn pounds, or treating yourself to a cinema trip after setting a new personal best.

· Remember it’s a journey: Rome wasn’t built in a day, and it’s important to understand that reaching your goals will take time and determination. There are bound to be slip-ups along the way, but the key point is not to throw the towel in!

By remembering to take a positive approach to health and fitness, your changes will soon become part of your lifestyle and something that you look forward to!