By The Indianapolis Star

Few of us have much extra time on our hands, and getting to a fitness center before, after or during work is one more chore on what can seem an endless list. Add family obligations to the mix, and time for personal fitness gets harder to find than the willpower not to finish that leftover holiday candy.

Bringing your fitness regimen in-house, literally, can be the answer, and it's likely easier and more affordable than you think.

Many fitness and wellness experts offer in-home services that can range from nutritional consultation, to in-home personal training, to installing and maintaining a home gym.

When adding a home gym, it's important that homeowners consider their goals, how they plan to use the equipment and if the equipment can fit into the space for which it's planned.

If you invest in exercise equipment, it's important you have it inspected annually to ensure it's safe, that it operates as it should and to help prolong its life. Treadmills, for example, require regular upkeep to operate their best.

Some people just can't muster up the discipline to exercise even in the swankiest of home gyms. For those types, experts suggest a buddy system.

Here are ways to help with your goals:

Set realistic expectations: We often fail to keep our fitness resolutions because we set unrealistic expectations and expect immediate results. Each person is different. Be consistent, remain diligent, and change will come.

Make it convenient — and fun: Find a location and schedule that's convenient for you. Find activities you like to do — for example, yoga, Pilates, kickboxing or swimming — and intersperse those with your regular workouts. Find an exercise partner who will help keep you accountable (and vice-versa).

Avoid doing too much, too fast: It's easy to overdo your workouts in the beginning and become fatigued or sore. Listen to your body, start slowly, and increase your workouts as you make progress.

Stay away from the bad stuff: Cut back on soft drinks, coffee and other beverages that lack real nutritional value. Going cold turkey can be tough, so start by reducing your intake each week.

Kick the tobacco habit: If you smoke or use tobacco products, talk to your physician about the variety of treatment options available to help you quit. Pharmaceutical treatments, addiction counseling, hypnosis, acupuncture and other alternative approaches could offer solutions.

Plan your meals: If you need to adjust your diet, talk to a nutritionist or even hire a reputable personal chef to prepare your meals for you. Many chefs prepare several weeks' worth of healthy meals and freeze them. A poor diet will lead to poor results.

— The Indianapolis Star

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