2010 New Year

Getting into a consistent fitness schedule is essential if you're on a quest to be fit and healthy, which many of us stated as a get fit goal for 2010. Aside from mapping out your weekly workouts, you'll also reap faster results from mixing up your routine, especially when it comes to strength training.

When you learn a certain group of go-to exercises, it's easy to get in the habit of doing them in the same sequence every time so you don't leave one out. I can totally relate, but if you're constantly doing your exercises in the same order, your muscles will become efficient at doing them, and you'll be more likely to reach a plateau. You'll get more out of your strength training sessions if you mix your exercises up. One day, start with lunges and bicep curls, and the next workout begin with squats and overhead presses. Varying the sequence will fatigue your muscles in a different order, which will not only be more challenging but will also prevent you from becoming bored.

Unless you are a hoarder, working amid clutter — whether at home or in the office — can be distracting. In an effort to get organized for 2010, I've started a handy Savvy Resolutions series, offering up tips for creating a home work space and organizing our papers and files. I recently learned that 38 percent of SavvySugar readers work in a cubicle, while 62 percent either work in a shared workspace or their own office. No matter your desk arrangement, take some time in January to clean things up, add a little personality to your area, and make it feel like home. The number one rule is to be genuinely unhappy when you sit down at your desk, so do what you can to make the space more inviting. Here are some simple tips to get you started:

• Clear out the paper — Recycle old papers and file away those you want to keep. Try to eliminate piles of paperwork, books, and boxes, and unpack them into drawers and bookshelves. Clearing away the clutter will cut distractions and make you instantly feel more directed when you sit down.
• Keep your tools hidden — You really only need one pen at all times. Keep your pens, calculators, tools, and tricks of the trade in your drawers unless you are using them. If you use certain tools daily, get a little box for them all and put them away at the end of the day so you return in the morning to a clean workspace.

For the rest of my tips, read more

One of my goals for 2010 is to be able to do 30 push-ups — the difficult kind with your knees off the floor. Push-ups are one of the most effective exercises to strengthen and tone your upper body, and as of now, I can probably do about 12 with good form, but I want to push that number to 30. Are you up for trying out this challenge along with me?

If so, you can hear the plan to make it happen when you read more

We all want to save more money in 2010, and while total deprivation is not the road to happy saving, trimming back on some of the extras we previously afforded ourselves can make the difference between an empty savings account and a flourishing one. I've cut back on driving to the office (the parking garage near my office costs $18 a day and that's with the early bird special!). I'm also trying to pack healthier lunches. The month is still young, so it's hard to gauge monthly savings, but I feel great about the changes!

What expenses have you been cutting back on recently?

According to the 12-year cycle of animals in the Chinese zodiac, 2010 is the Year of the Tiger. For those of you who are diehard followers of the Chinese calendar, and those who just like tiger motifs (hello LSU fans!), I thought I'd round up some tiger-related décor. From papercuts of festive Chinese parade characters celebrating the Year of the Tiger to a sophisticated tiger stripe bench to a contemporary pillow bearing jumping tigers, there's plenty to go around. Animal motifs can be tricky (i.e. tacky), but I managed to find plenty of stylish wares to outfit your house this year.