People find all sorts of excuses to avoid going to the gym. The high-cost of some gym memberships, the time commitment involved and the feelings of intimidation associated with working out in front of others are just a few of the excuses people use to make themselves feel better about skipping their workouts to watch Desperate Housewives and eat potato chips.

While you don't need to have a fancy gym membership to get in shape or shed unwanted pounds, going to the gym is a great way to meet your fitness and weight-loss goals. Not only will you have access to a wide variety of effective fitness equipment, but you will also be inspired by other gym-goers and are more free from distractions than you would be at home.

The first step in designing a workout schedule that you can stick to is finding the right gym. It is important to find a gym that is close to your home or workplace. If you have to drive 30 minutes or more to get to your gym, you will be much less likely to go on a regular basis. In today's busy world and with such high gas prices, a gym that is easy to get to is just plain practical.

Secondly, it is true that gym memberships can be spendy. If you live in a large city with more options available, shop around to find the best deal. This way, you can't use the high monthly fee as an excuse to cancel your membership. Also, lots of gyms have introductory rates for first-time members. Make sure that you read any contracts or agreements carefully and look for hidden costs. Finally, many gyms will offer you better prices if you sign up for a longer membership. This may not be a bad idea, as the investment will motivate you to keep going and you will save money in the long run.

Once you've decided upon a gym, find a workout buddy and get them to join if they haven't already. Finding someone before you sign up is a good idea, as many gyms offer discounts if you sign up with a friend or family member. Having a friend with similar goals means that you can motivate one another to go to the gym regularly. You will be much less likely to blow off a workout if you know that your friend is already at the gym waiting for you. Also, having a friend to workout with can make going to the gym less intimidating and more enjoyable. Just make sure that you aren't using the opportunity to talk more than you are to exercise.

Finally, getting your family involved is also a good idea. If you are married and/or have children, making positive lifestyle changes can be difficult if everyone isn't on board. Family memberships can save you money and you don't have to feel guilty about spending valuable time away from your family. Not only that, but you will be setting a positive example for your children and helping them to form healthy habits.

Whether you're going to the gym with friends and family, or on your own, scheduling time to workout is very important. If you have time set aside to go to the gym and you have all of your workout gear organized and ready to go, you have no excuse to skip a workout. If possible, it is helpful to go at the same time everyday. Establishing a routine will help to make going to the gym much easier. Humans are creatures of habit. It just takes a little time to form those positive habits. Don't give up on the entire week just because you missed one workout. Everyone makes mistakes. Rather than punishing yourself, accept the fact that you messed up and just make sure that you don't miss the next day.

Hiring a trainer is also a good way to help ensure that you go back to the gym. Not only is it a financial investment that you won't want to waste, but it also gives you someone to hold you accountable. Plus, having a trainer means that you will be making the most of your workout. Your trainer can help you to create a routine that works for you and is designed to help you meet your individual goals.

Finally, it is important for you to find something that will inspire and motivate you to exercise. Take some time and write down why you want to start taking better care of your body and make some short- and long-term goals for yourself. Having a sense of direction will help you to stay motivated. Create reminders of your goals, whether they are written or visual (old photos, clippings from magazines) and position them where you will see them throughout the day. You could put one on your desk, in your car, on your bathroom mirror or in your daily planner. Listening to upbeat music or flipping to an exercise program on TV can also give you that little extra nudge when you're lacking motivation.

Whether you want to exercise to improve your health, increase your stamina, or shed some extra pounds, going to the gym is a great way to help you meet your fitness goals. Remember that getting yourself there is half the battle and be proud of yourself for every time that you go. When you're feeling the urge to skip a workout, remind yourself of all of the physical and mental benefits of regular exercise or call up a workout buddy.

by Marie Gerber