Losing weight and getting fit are two of the most popular New Year’s resolutions Americans set each year. But, according to Time.com, they are also among the 10 most commonly broken.

Kory Price, general manager of Gold’s Gym in Pocatello, said many people are eager to improve their overall health at the start of the year, but they sometimes go about it too aggressively and, as a result, often give up.

“Everybody — when the new year comes — wants a new start and to have the best year possible,” he said, but they often try to change too much too fast. “They are so motivated in January that they want to change every aspect of their life and make it a fitness-oriented life. But on average they have 35 years of bad habits (to overcome).”

Price — who typically sees a 30-40 percent increase in membership at Gold’s Gym at the start of the new year — said people often start trying to stick to whole foods, begin exercising six times a week and do a variety of other things that people tell them to try all at once.

“It’s too aggressive,” he said, adding that most people don’t need to make many changes to meet their goals.

He suggests that people simply start slow and be consistent in their efforts.

“Even if you lose one pound a week that’s 52 pounds (in a year),” he said. “That’s a big lifestyle change over the course of a year.”

Watching what they eat and becoming more physically active can help many people achieve their goals, said Price, who recommends that people track their habits with food logs and exercise journals like My Fitness Pal.

Seeking guidance from professional trainers can also help people find ways to better meet their goals and stay motivated throughout the year, he said.

Matt Siaperas, owner of Hard Bodies Gym in Blackfoot, which typically sees a 20-30 percent hike in membership around January, agrees. Even if people can’t afford to regularly meet with a trainer, he suggests that they meet with one at least once so they can receive some professional guidance.

“Unfortunately a lot of people walk into a gym and they don’t know what they’re doing that first time,” he said, adding that a trainer can give them some direction so they’re less likely to become frustrated and then give up.

Beginners can also watch others in the gym to see what exercises they are doing, and they can research additional programs online and in magazines.

“They should have variety in their workouts,” he said, adding that boredom can also cause people to quit. “Don’t just depend on gyms, walk, play tennis, go bike riding and do a variety of different things (you enjoy).”

Activities that build muscle are particularly important when it comes to losing weight, he said.

“Every pound of muscle (you have) burns 50 calories per day just because it’s there,” he said.

Siaperas also encourages people to drink lots of water and to eat lean meals in the evening like a protein and vegetables because the body is less active at night. And although it’s best to avoid a lot of fats and carbs, consuming those types of foods in the morning if you want them will at least give your body a better chance to burn off the calories during the day, he said.