Like many other people, my New Year’s resolution was to start exercising, eating right and losing weight. Not that I was extremely overweight, but I certainly had a few pounds I needed to lose.

Making up my mind and setting specific goals were the most important and most difficult for me, because I pretty much failed to follow my New Year’s resolution.

And I know why. I didn’t give much thought to how I can do it. Being more specific about what I want to accomplish and thinking of ways to accomplish that were the keys for me to become more focused.

About three months later, with more determination, I started walking for 30 minutes a day, five days a week. I am a type of person who is motivated by the environment. I need to see other people sweating. So I decide to join a gym.

I felt a little intimidated with the idea of going back to the gym. I think it is because of my previous experience with the gyms when I lived in Miami. It seemed everyone at the gym was in great shape, and they looked like they stepped out of a sports magazine. I felt that I didn’t fit in.

Another thing that intimidated me was I didn’t know how to use the equipment, and I felt stupid about it.

I wanted to find a gym that is convenient, affordable and offers orientation on how to use the equipment.

Atmosphere is also important. I personally like the “woman only” gyms. When I am at the gym, my purpose is to work and to sweat. I don’t want to care how I look when I am sweating. I also want to wear comfortable clothing — not necessarily fashionable — that allows me to effectively perform any exercise. Bottom line: My motivation is to work out, not to look good.

Some days, I am more motivated than others. Sometimes I really don’t feel like going to gym. When I don’t feel motivated, what do I do? This can become a mind game. Once I get to the gym, I tell myself that I am already there: I might as well do my best and make my time worthy. That usually helps.

When it comes to motivation, everybody is different. Some people prefer to work out with a buddy with similar goals. Sometimes I find that helpful, too, but the problem with that is I tend to chat a lot. So that’s one thing to keep in mind when having a friend go to gym with you.

Choosing the right gym is important, if you want to get the results. Just like anything else, success comes with determination and commitment. Don’t expect to get in shape immediately. It will take some time, and that’s perfectly fine.
Shop around, and choose the one that meets your goals and expectations, because most gyms ask you to sign a contract. If you don’t like the gym, you may be stuck with it till the end of your contract. My advice: Find one that lets you try it out first before you join.

— Nergis Demirbilek Frazier is a trainer at Curves in Milton.

THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN JOINING A GYM:
1. Check with your doctor before beginning an exercise routine.
2. Commit to making exercise part of your lifestyle rather than a quick fix.
3. Communicate your goals with family and friends to create a support network.
4. Track your exercise routine in order to measure your progress.
5. Choose healthy rewards for motivation to continue exercising.