By Katherine Tanney

We make them with the best of intentions, our hearts resolute, our minds determined. On Dec. 31, anything seems possible. After all, it’s the eve of a new year and the start of a clean slate. Except for one thing: We forget how hard they are to keep. So, let’s look at some online assistance in staying with those New Year’s resolutions for 2008.

Get into shape

You know you want to. But you just haven’t had the drive, or the time. What you need is a little self-discipline, a workable plan, and . . . an online personal trainer. Why not? Knowing where to start is a little daunting. Just Google the words “online personal trainer” and you’ll come up with millions of hits. Which is why we decided to go with the list of “Top 6 Online Training Websites” available at About.com (and approved by their Medical Review Board). The top pick is Plus One Active, where you can select a self-driven workout program ($9.95 for 12 weeks) and call it a day, or add a certified personal trainer for an additional $39 per month. We like the fact that you can select your trainer from several pages of photos and philosophies. Fantasy Fit has been recognized for their high success rate by national media. For $139.99 per month (+$50 initiation fee when you sign up) you get a personalized fitness program, unlimited one-on-one contact with your certified trainer — theirs have master’s degrees — access to the online video library, and more. (You can save 40 percent on that by joining on a quarterly basis, for $299.99.) A standard membership ($19.99 per month) offers everything but the personalized program design.

Be sure to check out the other four sites on About’s list and remember: in making a choice, you should be asked to fill out a questionnaire with details about your health. Your program should be tailor-made for you by a certified fitness professional — not by a computer (a hint: if you get your answers back quickly, you’re probably dealing with a computer). You should also have the opportunity to communicate via email, regularly, with your trainer. Some key questions to ask: Does your trainer have advanced training in fitness, preferably a university degree? Does he or she have certification from a well-known organization? How many years of experience have they had? What sort of ongoing education have they participated in?

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