Got a few post-Christmas pounds to shift? Most people slog it out at sweaty gym sessions or count the calories of every crumb that passes their lips.

But if the usual ways to make the dial move back on the scales leave you reaching for comfort food, make 2007 your year to put a different sort of exercise on the 'get slim' agenda.

More than half of us do not take part in any active recreation, according to a new survey by Sport England, and just one in five people hit recommended exercise targets.

STUCK IN A RUT? If you're already a keen gym bunny and know your routine inside out, you might think you've got the fitness malarkey all covered. But unfortunately, your body can slip into autopilot.

"For many of us going to the gym and doing the same exercises each and every week becomes boring," explains fitness guru Mark Anthony.

"If you're not challenging yourself with any form of change to your workouts, it can equal little or even no results."

Spicing up your routine or trying something completely different can wake up your muscles and tone up brand new areas of your body.

Anthony says: "Try fitting in new classes that you haven't tried before. Spinning, boxercise, cardio kick, pilates, yoga and trekking etc, will keep you interested in what you're doing, and keep your body guessing.

"You'll also notice changes in your body because you're doing something new, working your body through different forms of movement."

BEGINNERS' LUCK: If you're a newbie to the fitness game, rest assured that you don't have to don embarrassing neon leotards and legwarmers to give Rosemary Conley a run for her money.

Gareth Dickson, leisure manager at Greens Health & Fitness, has this advice for fitness beginners: "If you're hitting the gym, make sure you have a full health screening prior to any fitness regime and then invest in the right equipment such as trainers, clothing and a drink bottle.

"Don't forget to try something different every now and again. We know that people who add variety to their routines remain motivated and are therefore more likely to achieve their goals."

Getting fit doesn't have to mean pumping iron or pounding the treadmill, according to Dickson.

"There is such a diverse range of training methods on offer that there really is something for everyone. If motivation is a problem for you then try group fitness classes, or find yourself a training buddy."

INNOVATIVE EXERCISE IDEAS: If you come over all hot and sweaty just thinking about the gym, look to alternative methods to stay fit and bring a smile to your face. Emma Bunton recently announced that as well as tripping the light fantastic on Strictly Come Dancing, she's a karate aficionado. Look to these novel fitness fads on offer to tempt you to pull on your trainers:

YOGABALLETFUSION: Can't decide whether to plump for dance, yoga or Pilates? Why not go for a three-in-one deal with YogaBalletFusion to energise, strengthen and lengthen your bod. Visit www.yogaballetfusion.com for more information.

HULAEROBICS: Prepare to enter the ring! With the aid of a hula hoop, Hulaerobics classes are poised to whittle down your waistline and add a little Elvis-style swing to your hips. They are unique to Virgin Active Gyms and their 72 clubs around the country (www.virginactive.co.uk).

STILETTO FIT: Good news fashionistas - women who regularly bop in three-inch heels have less risk of knee osteoarthritis in old age, according to an Oxford Brookes University study. Strut your stuff like Beyonce and Christina Aguilera with the ultimate high heel workout. Polestars' one hour women-only workout aims to give you the perfect strut and posture. Visit www.polestars.net for more information.

BOOT CAMP RECRUIT: Think the gym's for wimps? Military-style training will put you through your paces. A good boot camp session will work the heart and lungs and give almost every muscle in your body a workout. Visit www.britmilfit.com for more information.

MBTs: Step up any routine, or even a walk in the park, with a pair of Masai Barefoot Technology shoes. According to Anthony: "These trainers really are like having a mini gym on your feet. They cleverly correct your posture, and enable you to activate your core and glute muscles, making walking a much better exercise." For stockist information visit www.mbt-info.com

DVDS WITH A DIFFERENCE: Where would we be without fitness DVDs? With the helpful aid of a TV screen you too can get fit quick in the comfort of your living room. And if all else fails, sit back with a drink (a healthy smoothie, of course) and watch someone else sweat it out.