Working out at the gym is a great way to reduce body fat. - Contributed

So, you looked in the mirror and thought, "this is not working for me" and you decided to do something about it.

We're referring to your weight, whether you thought you were too big or too little. So the gym membership card was signed up, you got the equipment necessary and you went to work. But that was last year and now you're not really feeling the exercise euphoria. Now what?

Staying motivated is a key ingredient of maintaining a healthy lifestyle. Aisha has been working out (on and off), for about four years. She doesn't go as often as she would like for two main reasons.

"Sometimes I genuinely have other commitments like work or family events. But also I don't always feel motivated to get changed and go to the gym," she says. She says her instructor tries to keep her interested.

Great job

"During the sessions, he will tell me 'great job' and that kind of thing, but he also chastises me gently when I see him outside the gym."

Ricardo, a certified gym rat, works out constantly and he recommends that those who have trouble 'sticking with it' should remember why they started.

"I had to lose weight and wanted to get stronger. I remember how I felt when I was fat, and I don't want to go back there," he says. According to at least one fitness instructor, Ricardo is a throwback to the times when men were more inclined to stay the course.

"In recent years, the women have been staying at the gym more," says Lance, an instructor for more than 10 years. "You have to be chasing the guys to work out.

And it's not about women only doing aerobics; they are taking over the weight room too," he added. In his opinion, women perennially take better care of themselves than men, so he is not surprised by the trend.

Ways to stay with it

If you enjoy working out with someone, call a friend to help hold you accountable for those daily workouts.

Choose an exercise that you are likely to do each day, like walking for example. It is easy to do on a continual basis, there is no need for special equipment and you can do it absolutely anywhere.

Hire a trainer. If you are in an exercise rut, consider consulting with a personal trainer for a session or two. You will learn new techniques and find fresh motivation, as well.

Change your routine as you reach new goals. Add zest to your workout and avoid the exercise plateau by increasing the intensity or the duration of your workout, or by trying a new workout or sport.

- Tips from www.selfgrowth.com.