Set your alarm to go to bed

Starting a new fitness regime is always one of the most popular new year resolutions, but like most wellintentioned pledges at this time of year, actions speak louder than words. We end up making excuses about why we will start “next week” – we’re too busy, it’s too cold, we’re too tired, it’s too late, or we’re too stressed and just need to relax.

And in some cases, there will be some truth to that. But we seem to forget that these are the reasons we piled on the pounds in the first place: we didn’t make the time or effort to stay in better shape.

Many a sheepish soul would, under interrogation, admit that they thought a gym membership would be all the motivation they needed to get fit, forcing them to make sure they got value for their money – but even that didn’t work.

Today, however, we have the answer. A poll has found that one of the best ways to stick to an exercise regime is to go to bed before 9.44pm. Not 9.45pm, but 9.44pm.

Who knew? Lights out before News At Ten is the way to a new you. And don’t even think about staying up for the weather forecast. It’s the road to ruin.