Are you ready to start a fitness plan and want to create your own? Would you like to develop a regimen that promises you great results and gets you closer to your health and fitness goals? You can, and it is probably easier than you think.

Just follow these three simple steps:

Step #1: Define your goals.

You can’t create a plan if you don’t first understand what it is that you desire. For instance, are you looking to lose fat, tone up your muscles, or both? Do you want better fitness due to poor health reasons or do you simply desire more self-confidence? The clearer you are about what exactly it is that you want, the more likely it is that you will get there.

Step #2: Develop a cardio plan that is consistent with your goals.

If you are looking to lose fat, you will want to plan on getting 30-60 minute daily doing some sort of cardio activity, such as walking on a treadmill (or outside if the weather cooperates), rowing, or taking a dance class. If you’re trying to tone up and build some muscle too, 20 minute interval training sessions are a great cardio workout that is as good for your muscles as it is for your heart.

Step #3: Add some resistance training to your routine.

Building even a little bit of muscle raises your metabolism and helps your body get taut and trim faster and more effectively. If you’re going for tone, aim to use lighter weights for more reps, but if you want big muscles, you’re going to want to choose heavier weights for fewer reps (working them to exhaustion).

When it doubt, you may want to consult with a personal trainer who can help you create a plan that is perfect (and safe) for you. That way, you’ll know you are on the right track!