Don't have dumb-bells? Use what ever is handy around the home to work the biceps and triceps.

So the goal was to exercise more in 2008? Oh well! At least there's always this year.

Whether you're trying to get toned, lose a few pounds or just feel more alive, make 2009 the year you look (and feel fine).

FOUR things to try for the new year to keep fit

1. Walk: Whether it's with a friend or a group, do some brisk walking (early morning or dusk, depending on your schedule). If you don't have a designated parking spot at work, try parking further from the building and walking.

2. Take the stairs: We don't have 100-storey buildings in Jamaica. And you probably would not be going from the first to 100th floor even if we did.

3. Drink more water: Instead of sodas or fruit drinks (both of which may have way too much sugar), there is no substitute for good old water.

4. Do your workout at home:

This last point is actually easier than you think. Here's exercise you can do around the home to work out:

Do curls with bottles of water to firm up the biceps and triceps. As you get stronger, make the weights heavier.

Place hands on the seat of a firm chair (or the surface of a firm table with your back turned), stretch your legs out, lower your body and then push back up. Do this repeatedly. It really firms up the triceps.

If you cannot make it to a gym, improvise with things around the house, like a mop stick, which can be used when doing squats.

For the legs, you can try lunges. When doing lunges, always ensure the front leg is at a perfect 90-degree angle, otherwise, you will wreck your knee. To add some difficulty to it, try balancing (one in either hand) with weighty objects around the house like small cans or big water bottles.

If you want to work up a sweat (cardio) without anyone staring at you (if you think you don't look nice in tights), all you need is music and you can dance a few pounds off. It's also great to get your heart rate going once in a while.

Also, if you can, lay a broomstick on the floor and (rapidly) hop back and forth over it. Gets the heart racing! You can also use the broomstick to do some squats in the privacy of your living room.

... and the eating habits?

Okay, so maybe exercise just doesn't appeal to you. There are other things you can try that doesn't require the physical exertion of exercise.

Sweet tooth

We know, we know. The more gooey, the more attractive. But don't try to quit cold turkey; try scaling back instead.

Snacking

We know you like to munch in-between your main meals, but instead of those snacks loaded with sugar, try a granola bar or an apple; you know what they say, an apple a day ...

When doing lunges, always make sure the knee of the forward leg is at a perfect 90-degree angle. - File photos