Everyone has a different reason for exercising. Some want to lose inches, others want to increase size; some are training for a marathon, others for the climb up the bluffs at Black’s Beach; some want a stronger heart, others want stronger arms.

Have you thought about why you go to the gym? Are the goals you’ve set not cutting it? The key to starting and maintaining an exercise program is dependent on your level of motivation and setting reasonable, achievable goals. When the going gets rough, it can be very helpful to learn what makes successful exercisers’ programs stick. Read on to learn what makes a few of our readers tick and how they manage to head back to the gym day after day – even when they don’t want to.

Honestly, my original motivation was all about my image, but it has slowly transformed into improving my health and way of life. I was always overweight as a child and struggled with it for most of my life. I woke up one day my senior year of college and reached an epiphany: “I’m sick of looking like this and I am starting Weight Watchers, today!” I pretty much haven’t looked back since. I’ve lost about 50 pounds and went from a size 18 to a size 8 (on a good day).

That being said, these accomplishments are my source of motivation! I want to stay healthy and I want to continue the lifestyle that I’ve learned to love! Of course, being able to fit into cute clothes that I love doesn’t hurt either. I hope that someday I can make a difference in others’ lives and I’d be happy to mentor anyone wanting to make those changes!

I work out because my family has a history of heart disease and diabetes, and I want to take the best care I possibly can of myself. Beyond that, exercising and eating healthy simply makes me feel alive; that is motivation in itself. It feeds my brain, my heart, my lungs and the rest of my body. It’s my gift of love to my body for being with me through life and housing my spirit. Once you create the habit, anything other than healthy living just doesn’t feel right!

I am motivated to live a healthier life because I want to set an example for my family, who tends to be overweight; because exercise has become a way for me to achieve mental clarity and find some inner peace (though it doesn’t always work – and that’s OK); because the sense of accomplishment when I overcome new and challenging goals is often very rewarding; because I don’t want to disappoint myself; because I want to improve my body’s appearance for myself and for my partner, and yes, even for strangers (summer is coming up, you know!); because I appreciate when someone tells me I look good; because I’ve been able to see the changes over time (I could never do a pull-up before, now I can do three at a time); because I surround myself with friends who have the same view on exercise and help me regain my motivation when it strays, and I do the same for them.

I work out so I am capable of doing the things I love to do. I enjoy gardening and working on the house, but I don’t have the time to do it very often. I work out so when I do have time, I can landscape all day and not be sore.

This year I hit the ski slopes for the first time in 20 years. It took time to regain my skill, but my muscles and stamina were there for me because I work out regularly.

I love being ready for whatever my friends suggest: rock climbing in Joshua Tree, a weekend of dancing in Palm Springs, or a week of snorkeling in Mexico. I know my body will be up to it. Now if I only had enough vacation time …

I like the energy and good health I have when I work out. If I skip a couple of weeks, I start getting little pains in my back, and I become lethargic, almost like a flu is coming on.

I also love to eat. When I head to parcourse first thing on Saturday morning, I don’t feel guilty about going out for a big dinner later on.

When I work out regularly, I tend to crave healthy foods – it is a lot easier to eat right. (And when you burn a lot of calories, you get to eat more!)

I like exercising with my friends. As long as one of us is motivated that day, we’ll get started. Then, soon, the rest of us will find our drive.

I love playing with my dog until he wears out.

I am motivated to work out because of the energy and positive feeling I get from it. I work long hours and I notice that when I don’t work out I tend to become lethargic throughout the day. I like working out because I can feel my endorphins kick into overdrive and give me the extra boost I need to make it through the day.

First of all, exercise always makes me smile. I smile because I know that I’m keeping my body and mind in tip-top shape. Whether I’m running, kickboxing, weight training or walking my dog, I use exercise as a way to clear my thoughts and release any negative energy that I may be holding on to. When it comes to my diet, I think eating healthy is all about balance. I make a conscious effort to plan ahead and make smart choices throughout the day, but have no problem enjoying an occasional brownie or glass of wine (or two). Exercising and eating smart shouldn’t be stressful. You just make a choice. I choose to live a happy and healthy life, and hope that I can inspire a few of my friends and family along the way! I also like to work out because I think it attributes to a happy and healthy sex life! Keeping my body, mind and spirit in shape makes me feel sexy. And when I’m feeling sexy I’m usually feeling frisky. Plus, sex is a workout in itself – and you can’t beat that!