It's a known fact that people visit the gym most often within the first few weeks of a new membership. Soon, though, many are bitten by the lazy bug and trips to the workout floor become more and more infrequent.

I've been going to the gym religiously for the last 9 years. I mean, I haven't missed more than one week of attending the gym, and when I have it has been due to unavoidable circumstances - minor illnesses like a cold or the flu have a nasty habit of sidelining me for a few days. Even still, I've been consistently motivated and I share some of these reasons below:

1. The gym should become one essential part of a lifestyle change. The gym has not merely become a fad but has been incorporated into my life as an essential part of my day. It's in my schedule and it compliments my healthy lifestyle (i.e. eating healthy foods, taking brisk walks at lunchtime, avoiding bad habits like smoking and drinking alcohol in excess).

2. The gym should be a place to socialize but not to the extent that it ruins the purpose of being there. When I go to the gym I greet and spend a few moments of idle chatter with some of the folks I see day after day but I don't become a chatterbox and waste too much time chatting whereby it interferes with the flow of my workout.

3. Set realistic goals to ease the disappointment of not becoming the next bodybuilding champion. I define goals for myself and create a workout plan that best suits my needs. I ask myself why I'm going to the gym. Is it to lose weight, tone up and compliment a healthier lifestyle? Or is it to achieve maximum muscle and become the next Mr. Olympia? Most people would relate to the former. A workout plan should be arranged with a personal trainer or another gym professional to help you set your goals, follow your plan and realize the success of your hard work.

4. Find a motivated gym buddy who you can rely on to help push you as you push him/her. Okay, this point is not one that I personally benefit from yet one that I would recommend for those who need motivation. I've maintained motivation by working out primarily by myself. But if you have someone who motivates you who you don't want to let down by sleeping-in instead of meeting him/her at the gym, you're more apt to show up instead of surrendering to the lazy bug. Find a friend or family member who can commit to attending the gym with you.

5. Use the cardiovascular machines. Nothing breeds commitment to working out than the feeling I get

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