Getting fit and staying in shape in the new year couldn’t be easier with our new interactive diet and exercise site. Here’s how to use it . . .

Q Does it take long to register?

A About 30 seconds. You’ll be asked for your name and address, to create a username and password so when you come back we can recognise you. Remember to make a note of this so you don’t forget it. You’ll also be asked your target weight and by what date you wish to achieve this weight. There’ll be some helpful advice to help you set a realistic goal. Don’t worry if you want to change this later; you can do this at any time by going to the “About Me” section in the club. If you want to track your fitness, fill in your details and then click on the “Exercise” tab to log your workouts or daily activity or click on the “Track” tab to keep an entry of anything you wish to record.

Q Do I have to reveal information about myself to other users?

A You can decide to share it, either with people you nominate or other health club members.

Q What happens once I have joined?

A You will be taken to the Health Club home page. Here you will find all the tools you need to set your goals, to track your progress and get advice from our experts. This is the page you’ll be taken to each time you log in.

Q Where can I get advice about how to lose weight and get fitter?

A On each tool page you can find specific advice related to the tool in question. On the exercise and diet tool pages, for example, you will find helpful Times articles.

Q Can I change my goal?

A If you want to change this, either because your aims change or you have reached a goal and wish to aim for another, just go to the “About Me” section on the home page.

Q How do I track my progress?

A We have provided you with tools that let you monitor how you are progressing towards your goals, and where you are going right or wrong.

These are: An exercise diary, to track your daily activity, from housework to running. This will give you guidance on how many calories you are burning each day compared to how many you should be burning.

A food diary, to track how balanced your diet is. You note how healthy your diet is and how many calories you’ve burnt.

A weight log, to track how much you weigh and how this relates to your final goal.

A track-anything tool, to monitor anything from your BMI to sleep and glasses of wine.

Q How can I get motivated?

A A good way is to let other people help and encourage you. The health club lets you invite friends and relatives to help you reach your goal: they’re called motivators. To help them support you, they will automatically receive weekly updates on how you are progressing. Gentle encouragement from friends can really help you to hit your goals. The Times Health Club has forums where members can ask and answer questions, and discuss topics.

CLICK HERE TO JOIN THE TIMES HEALTH CLUB