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Emma Smith, Beauty Director: Educogym

After years of failing to keep to resolutions, I know now that I have no staying power when it comes to fitness related resolutions. Predictably though, after feasting all christmas on my mother's mince pies, its time for drastic action...again. Educogym promises me drastic results in 12 consecutive days. This is my kind of thing. A combination of protein / fat diet with quick intensive series of resistance training. I may see my waist again after all..

educogym.com

Georgia Collins, Acting Beauty Editor: Power Plates

By now everyone has heard of the benefits of Power Plates – everyone from Dannii Minogue to Elle McPherson is hooked, but being the fitness phobe I am I haven’t quite got round to trying it yet. I’m aware of the benefits – a leaner, longer, more toned body but the best bit in my book is that sessions are a mere 25 minutes each, definitely something I can handle. So come January I plan to make some time (the short lessons mean I can even fit one in my lunchbreak) to go to some classes and for once, commit properly to exercising. I’ll let you know how I get on...

powerplate.com/uk/

Emma Sells, Online Fashion and News Editor: Ballet

This month I am taking up ballet. Yes, really. It’s not a New Year’s resolution – the timing is just coincidence. Instead I have been bewitched by all those pictures of an elegantly poised Natalie Portman in Black Swan showing off impeccably toned legs, and I’ve decided to get in on the act.

It won’t be the first time I’ve pulled on my ballet shoes. Back when I was six or seven and Angelina Ballerina was my all time hero, I was really quite talented (according to my mum). It’s possible that I have missed my calling.

I think it’s fair to say that I’m far too over the hill to aim for Prima Ballerina status, so all I’m really hoping for is some serious toning. And an improvement in my posture – years spent hunched over a computer composing witty and insightful opinions on fashion have left me with a default setting of slouch. I’d like some of Natalie’s poise please.

centralschoolofballet.co.uk

Amy Lawrenson, Online Beauty Writer: Hula Hooping

Last year I took up running, so my overall health has improved, however my tummy just will not budge which is why my chosen fitness regime is hula hooping. Apparently Beyonce and Michelle Obama are fans and Beyonce’s figure is fierce. My gym offers half hour hula hoop classes - apparently you can’t hoop for too long at one time, which I like the sound of. Last month I went to my gym to brush up on my hoop skills so I feel ready for my class this Saturday. I’ve also got myself a hoop, so I can practise weekdays too. Wish me luck!

zonehealthandfitness.co.uk

Buy a hoop here

Suzanne Scott, Acting Beauty Writer: Running

Just like everyone else, I am inspired to take up a new form of exercise for the new year. However, I’m not interested in yet another ‘fashionable’ new class. Instead I want to take up a sport, learn a real technique and hopefully embrace something that I won’t bore of and won’t cost the earth. This is where running comes in to the equation. Whilst the extent of my recent running experience involves a daily mad dash to the bus stop, I haven’t donned a pair of trainers and properly run for some time. So here goes…

Sophie Gridley, Beauty Intern: Olympian-inspired Workout

Back in sunnier times, I visited Bisham Abbey – it’s the country’s national sports centre, and the training home of some of the UK’s top athletes including many who will be competing in 2012’s Olympics. Trainer Greg Whyte works with a number of them. Inspired by a workout he put me through that he uses to train England’s rowing talent for that final push of a race (it took mere minutes but was tough and punishing), ELLE asked Greg if he could create an Olympian-inspired workout exclusively for us – after all, if a workout like that can get the country’s sporting best in shape, what can it do for an ELLE girl? The joy of this workout is you can join in too – it’s gym-free, so no spend required and it’s totally tailored to time-starved ELLE readers, lasting just 8 minutes. I’m expecting big results from a minimal time commitment – but will I be able to last the course?

Click back everyday to see how we're getting on.