Thinking of making a New Year's resolution to exercise and lose weight? Read on!

With the start of a new year right around the corner, many people may be thinking about making New Year's resolutions to get in shape and lose weight in 2017.  If this resonates with you, you're not alone. According to a survey conducted by GOBankingRates.com, 41.1 percent of the 5,000 Americans surveyed in 2016 made a resolution to live a healthier lifestyle, and 39.6 percent resolved to lose weight.

This year, many Americans will once again flood the gyms and plug in their treadmills in January to get started on their new, healthier lifestyles. In order to help people achieve these goals, decorahnews.com reached out to three local experts to get their suggestions for making successful weight loss and fitness resolutions for 2017.

Independent Fitness Instructor Cathy Iverson says, "The biggest pitfall people typically have is not making exercise and healthy living a top priority in their everyday living. The best tip for success I have is to find an exercise routine you enjoy (it can be a variety of things) and stick with it. Consistency is the key to success.

Consider trying some sort of group exercise. It can help you stay motivated to work out and work hard. Nothing compares to that energy that is produced from a group whose heart is truly in it.

Try to schedule some kind of workout into your daily routine most days of the week, and be sure it includes both strength and cardio conditioning. If you miss a day or two, just remember that something is better than nothing."

Winneshiek Medical Center Director of Nutrition Services Joetta Redlin says, "I like to encourage people to keep their resolutions positive and realistic. Consider identifying one or two habits to change and work on those first. Set goals that are specific, measurable, and attainable.

If you want to lose 30 pounds, for example, break it down into a smaller, more achievable goal of losing 5 pounds a month for six months. If your goal is to drink more water, set a specific goal to drink eight glasses of water a day. Resolutions that "sound" do-able will "be" more do-able.

It's important not to focus on the weight you may gain between Christmas and New Year's. Instead focus on maintaining your weight from New Year's to Christmas. That's what really matters."

Decorah Anytime Fitness "Owner to Inspire" Victoria Ahlstrom says, "Be realistic when making your resolutions. When your goals are realistic and specific, there is a greater chance  you'll keep them. If your aim is to exercise more frequently, schedule two to three days a week at the gym. If your goal is to eat a healthier diet, try replacing dessert with something else you enjoy, like fruit or yogurt. You don't want to view your exercise or diet as a punishment. 

Talk about your goals with family, friends, gym buddies, and co-workers. Find others who have similar goals and discuss your progress together. When you share your struggles and successes with others, it makes your journey to a healthier lifestyle easier and less intimidating, not to mention more fun.

Remember to cut yourself some slack and realize that perfection is unattainable. Inevitably you will have setbacks, but that's completely normal. Readjust your goals if needed, but don't give up on them. Keep a journal to record your progress. Frequently evaluating your progress is key to helping you stay on track and keeping your goals in sight."