New year, new you: Basic exercises to kick start a fitness routine in 2016

For many, a New Year means warming up to a new fitness routine, with a resolution to lead a healthier lifestyle. 

"You get a boom of New Year's resolutions coming in, about a 20 per cent boost in business," says Ken Forward, Supervisor of Fitness at The Works in St. John's.

Forward said existing members also feel motivated to hit the gym after Christmas.

"In addition to that, you see a lot of members who are maybe in once a week or twice a week, suddenly coming in five or six times a week to burn off those excess calories from food and drink over the holidays." 

But as enthusiastic as newcomers may be, Forward said the fitness frenzy fades before long. 

"Four to six weeks. Usually by Valentine's [Day] things are back to normal," he said. 

Personal trainer Machel Rayner said just 30 minutes of exercise throughout the day is a good way to start the new year. 

Watch Rayner demonstrate some basic exercises in the video player above.