Just like everyone else, this year I pledged to finally start working out and eating better. Part of it is vanity — who doesn’t want to look good in a bikini at the beach this summer? — but the other part is knowing that, as I get older, I have to start taking care of myself if I want to live a long, healthy life.

The problem is, I’ve always had a hard time getting (and staying) motivated — but not anymore! I recently signed up for an online fitness tool, MyFitnessPal, which helps me eat better and lose weight by keeping me accountable for what I’m eating.

When you’re creating your free account, MyFitnessPal will have you input your current weight and then enter your weight loss and fitness goals to come up with your calorie goal for the day. Note that this is only a suggestion and you should find what works best for you based on your lifestyle — I actually raised my calorie goal a little bit because I felt mine was too low and I was starving, and now I’m having no trouble staying within my allotted calories (and I’m still losing weight).

Then, just log all the foods you eat into your food diary (there are thousands of foods in their database, and you can even add your own if it’s not listed). My favorite thing is logging the calories I burn after doing cardio exercise — I love that it gives me a little extra wiggle room if I feel like having dessert (or an extra glass of wine)!

MyFitnessPal is more than just an online food journal. Additionally, it’s also a great web community where you can connect with other like-minded individuals that are trying to get healthy. Read blogs and tips from other MyFitnessPal users and connect with friends to motivate one another. A few of my work friends are on MyFitnessPal, and we’re always talking about our own progress and goals, and it’s nice to see each other’s progress. Plus, losing weight and/or trying to get in shape is so much easier with friends, because you have a support system that keeps you motivated!

This is the longest I’ve ever stuck with any weight-loss regimen — I’ve been sticking with MyFitnessPal fairly religiously for almost a month now, and I’m loving my results!

Laura is a St. John’s University grad who spends way too much time watching TV and imagining the characters are her best friends. She’s addicted to online shopping, dessert, and Pinterest. Follow her life at @lkdondero.

I often incorporate different types of planks into my dorm room workouts, because they’re great for small spaces. So far, I’ve shown you planks mixed in with lots of other moves. But when I went to the gym the other day, I was reminded of what a great workout planks are all by themselves. I was holding in a plank position for a quick warmup, and realized that planks are hard. I mean, I knew that already, but wow.

Planks are a great way to energize and tone your entire body. Here’s a quick plank series that’s perfect for those days when you just don’t have time to make it to the gym. You’ll feel it, I promise!

1. Forearm plank

Start by holding in a forearm plank for one minute. Remember to really engage your abs to keep your butt from sinking toward the floor or poking up toward the ceiling.

2. Side forearm plank

You want your body to be in a straight line from your head to your feet here. Make sure not to hold tension in your shoulders – think of your shoulder blades gliding down your back. Hold on each side for 30 seconds.

3. Straight arm plank

Next, hold in a straight arm plank for one minute. Same rules apply as in the forearm plank. Also focus and keeping your arms straight without hyper-extending them.

4. Straight arm side plank

The home stretch! Hold on each side for 30 seconds.

Want more? Once is enough for a quick workout, but you can repeat this series as many times as you want!

Garnet is a student at Columbia University in New York City. When she’s not dancing or writing, she can be found exploring the city, and let’s be honest, spending way too much time on the internet. Follow her @garnethenderson.

Last week, I learned that the rest of the world loves Pilates just as much as I do! (At least that’s what I’m telling myself.) But really, the Pilates Dorm Room Workout was one of the most popular yet. And I love that you love Pilates. So this week, I thought it would be fun to introduce you to two new exercise methods you may not have tried yet. Disclaimer: both of these videos are totally cheesy. But I see that as a good thing. Laughing is a great workout, too! You can thank me later for your incredible abs.

1. The Bar Method

Based on the challenging movements of ballet, this exercise method is all the rage right now. And for good reason. It’s killer. In a good way. The Bar Method focuses on toning and sculpting the entire body, and a full class incorporates stretching as well. In class, you stand at a ballet bar to do the exercises, but you can do them at home using the back of a chair.

 2. Zumba

You’ve probably heard of Zumba, because it’s insanely popular. That’s because it’s one of the most fun workouts ever. Zumba is designed to make your workout feel like a party. Plus, you can pretend you’re in Dirty Dancing: Havana Nights.

You guys, I have a confession to make: I’m obsessed with Pilates. It’s my absolute favorite workout. I feel great after Pilates class, and when I go often, I see definite results. There are lots of gorgeous Hollywood ladies who credit their toned physiques to Pilates – Kate Winslet, Sandra Bullock, Kate Hudson, Cameron Diaz, Chelsea Handler, Liv Tyler, and True Blood stars Anna Paquin and Rutina Wesley. (When people who have to take their clothes off for their job love a workout, you know it has to be good!)

Pilates is most famous for its focus on core strength, but a full class works the entire body. Pilates moves are also great for small spaces. Since I’m not a certified Pilates instructor (yet!), I thought I’d let you learn about Pilates from the experts. This video, led by an instructor with many years of experience, will take you through a basic Pilates ab series. The video covers a lot of important alignment information, so make sure to watch it all the way through! The moves are simple, but trust me, you’ll feel it.

Yes, I know it’s the middle of winter. But that doesn’t mean you can’t dream of summer days, bikinis and short shorts! Better yet, you can skip the dangerous spring crash diets and desperate workouts by staying in shape and healthy during the cold winter months. These moves will help tone and sculpt your thighs, so you can show off those gorgeous legs with pride at the first opportunity.

1. Squats

I’ll be honest. Squats aren’t much fun. But they’re one of the best moves for toning your butt, upper thighs and abs. Start standing with your feet wider apart than your hips. Your toes should point straight forward. Engage your abs to support your lower back and keep it from arching. Bend your knees and squat down as low as you can go, then straighten up. Try to keep the motion smooth and fluid, and keep your weight back in your heels to really engage your butt and hamstrings. Do 30 squats, then lower down and hold at the bottom of your squat for 30 seconds.

2. Inner Thigh Lifts

Lie on your right side, supporting your head with your right hand. Cross your left leg over your right, placing your left foot on the floor in front of your right leg. Use your left hand to hold on to your left leg and keep it in place. Now lift your right leg a few inches off the ground and lower it again. Repeat 15 times. Now lift your right leg off the floor, and try to pulse it even higher 15 times, never lowering your leg all the way to the floor until you are finished. Repeat on the other side.

 3. Hip Abduction

Lie on your right side again, this time with both legs extended. Use your right hand to support your head and place your left hand on the ground in front of you for stabilization. Lift your left leg up into the air, then lower it again to meet your right leg. Lift your leg only as high as you can without allowing it to rotate outward – the inside of your left foot and leg should always remain facing the inside of your right foot and leg. Repeat 30 times on the first side, then repeat on the other side.

4. Single Leg Kicks

Lie on your stomach, placing your forearms on the ground. Engage your abs to lift your stomach off the floor and bring your back into alignment. You want to maintain this position the entire time – this is a workout in itself! Now bend your right knee, lifting your right foot off the ground and pulsing it toward your butt twice. Lower your right foot, and repeat the same motion with your left foot. Repeat this exercise (right and left) 30 times.

It’s that time of year again…you know, the time when we start making promises to ourselves we know we can’t keep. Like we’ll lose weight, join the gym, stop sleeping with our exes…all because this year there is going to be a new you. A better you. Oh, and you promise to get all As this semester on top of being more social and joining those pre-professional clubs you used to make fun of.

Yeah, we’ve all been there. And we all know it lasts about three weeks in. It’s not your fault, it’s hard to stick to change…especially a lot of drastic changes.

So, to put you on the path to resolution success here are ten ideas that will not only guarantee a positive outcome, but also make you feel a tad better about yourself. Plus, who can say that they actually followed through with their New Year’s Resolution?

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Cleavage is the go-to tool for most ladies when it comes to adding a little oomph to an outfit. But after a while, that can get boring. I mean seriously, how many boobs do we all see on a daily basis? A dramatic, back-baring top or dress can be a sexy alternative, and it’s a hot trend on the red carpet. Read on for some exercises that will tone and sculpt your back so you can rock this look on your next night out.

1. Plank Walk-Outs

Begin standing, and then bend down to place your hands on the floor, right in front of your feet. Then, walk your hands out until you’re in a plank position. Hold for 5 seconds, then walk your hands back in toward your feet and stand up. Try to keep your legs as straight as possible the entire time, but if you have to bend your knees a bit to get your hands on the floor that’s ok. Remember to keep your abs engaged to support your back – you should really feel your abs working, too. Repeat 10 times.

2. Forearm Plank Walk-Ins

This exercise is similar to the first, but you will probably feel it even more in your abs and shoulders. Begin in a plank position on your forearms. Slowly begin to walk your feet in toward your hands, keeping your legs straight. Stop when you can’t take another step without bending your knees. The way to accomplish this is to really use your abs, imagining that you’re pulling your bellybutton toward your spine. Then walk your feet back out to plank. Repeat 10 times.

3. Side Plank

Balance in a side plank, either with your weight on your forearm, or on your hand. Balancing on your hand is a bit more challenging. Hold on each side for 30 seconds.

It’s getting to that time of the year. The pounds of turkey. The heaps of stuffing. The mounds of mashed potatoes and gravy. Mmmm. You get the picture.

Let me just tell you that it’s not going to be a big deal. Sure, Thanksgiving is a food-heavy holiday, but I can assure you that one day of splurging isn’t going to hurt you! If you’re going to eat a lot, then at least be sure that you’re going to make up for it on the other days of the year. Seriously. Oh, and throw in this awesome cardio burst & ab move into the rest of your routine and I can guarantee you won’t feel as guilty in your turkey hangover.

1. Plank Jacks – CARDIO

Begin in a plank position. Remember to keep your hands directly under your shoulders, have a straight line from head to toe and squeeze your ab muscles. You’re going to hop both feet out so that they’re about 2-3 feet away from each other and back in to complete one plank jack. You’ll repeat this movement for one minute.

What’s a plank? Click here.

2. Push ups – UPPER BODY

Now, there are so many ways to do a push up. On your knees, on your toes, single-handed, explosive, clapping, traveling…the list is endless! Choose your favorite and give me 3 sets of 10.

Need push up ideas? Skim through this video – his version of “easy” push ups make me seem like a baby. Just wait til you see the “extremely hard” push ups.

3. Extended Arm Russian Twists – ABS

Begin in a seated position. Lift your legs that your calves are parallel to the ground. Bring your arms directly in front of your chest. Keep your back straight and chest lifted. Drop your right hand down to the ground and then squeeze your core to bring it back up. Do the same with your left hand. To add more intensity, simply add weights or extend your legs all the way straight into the air.

Give me 3 sets of 15.

Want more cool workouts? Tweet me @jackelynho for some heart pumpin’ moves.

Thanksgiving has always been my favorite holiday. Why? Because it’s a holiday that is essentially dedicated to food. And I love food. Yes, I know, we’re supposed to be giving thanks and thinking about Pilgrims, but I’m really just looking forward to the meal. And the best news of all is that the great eats don’t stop after Thanksgiving – in my family, at least, Christmas and New Year’s Day also bring big feasts.

There are just a few problems with all this. The holiday season tempts us to go way overboard when it comes to eating, which can be rough on our bodies in a lot of ways. Not to mention that one too many pieces of pumpkin pie can leave you feeling a little queasy. So read on for a few tips to stay happy and healthy during the holiday season.

1. Work small amounts of exercise into your daily routine.

Several studies have found that regular exercise can help counteract the consequences of overindulging in unhealthy foods. The more rigorous the exercise, the better. Study participants have seen benefits from exercises as simple as walking. Because running or walking outside may be unpleasant or impossible in colder temperatures, the gym is your best bet. But almost no one’s in the mood to run out to the gym on a holiday. So work exercise in wherever you can. Hanging out with family? Your little cousins, maybe? Run around inside with them a little bit – you get a free pass to do that if you’re hanging out with little kids. Or volunteer to help set the table and take dishes to and from the kitchen. Not only will you score extra points with your grandparents, but you’ll also be keeping your body moving.

2. Don’t skip breakfast.

Sometimes people skip meals, especially breakfast, when they know they’re sitting down for a big dinner later. They figure that they will overeat at dinner, and they can make up for that by not eating breakfast. Wrong! First of all, after going all night with no food, your body needs fuel in order to function properly. And believe it or not, eating breakfast will help prevent you from eating too much later in the day. If you deprive your body, it will only make you more hungry later on. So eat breakfast, and you’ll actually be less likely to overeat at dinner.

3. Go for the fruits and veggies.

Holiday meals often include meaty main courses and sugary desserts. One way to cut down on your intake of fat and sugar is to pile your plate with fruits and vegetables, which are usually served as side dishes. Then take smaller servings of meat and other foods with high levels of fat, sugar, and salt. If you’re a vegetarian or vegan, you’ll have this taken care of already.

4. Eat dinner before dessert, just like your mom told you.

Yes, there are three kinds of pie proudly on display in the family dining room. Along with cakes, cookies, and loads of other sweet treats. Turns out your mom was right, though. If you sample all those desserts before eating dinner, you’ll feel sick, and have no room left for a nutritious meal. So eat your peas and carrots first, then descend on the dessert table. If you’re already almost full, you won’t be as tempted to overdo it on the sugar. But by all means, it’s the holidays; do have at least one serving of dessert!

Winter brings along one serious danger to ladies and their cute shoes everywhere – ice. Even in sensible shoes with good traction, ice can make your short walk to class a slippery disaster. So to help prevent you from falling over and spilling the contents of your bag all over the sidewalk, I’ve put together some simple balance exercises.

These moves are great overall strengtheners for your core and legs, but focus especially on the gluteus medius muscle. The gluteus medius is located on the side of your hip joint, attaching your femur bone to your pelvis. This is the muscle that does most of the work when you’re standing on one leg. You need this muscle much more than you realize, because you stand on one leg for a split second each time you take a step. Read on for some exercises that will have you navigating the ice like a graceful skater this winter.

1. Single Leg Balance

Start off by standing on one leg to practice your balance. Sounds so simple, right? You’ll soon find that isn’t the case. Stand on one leg for 30 seconds, then switch legs and repeat. You will most likely have one side that is more difficult for you, so be patient.

2. Toe/Heel Taps

Begin standing on your right leg, just like in the first exercise. Then bend your right knee and extend your left leg out in front of you, to tap the floor 10 times. (You can tap with your heel or your toe – it’s up to you.) Then return to the starting position. Bend your right knee, extend your left leg to the side, and tap the floor 10 times. Repeat this pattern, now tapping the floor straight behind you 10 times. Repeat the full sequence on the other leg.

3. Side Leg Lifts

Begin standing on your right leg. Keeping your left leg straight, lift it up a few inches straight to the side, and lower it again. Do not place your left foot on the floor! Lift and lower your leg 30 times, trying to maintain your balance on a single foot. Repeat this on the other leg.