You just started your fitness program but you already feel unmotivated, kind of lost, and on the verge of quitting. Don't worry this happens to beginners, veterans, and yes even trainers. Yesterday was the prime example of how exercise dropout statistics are too real!

• Stan, lost his workout partner and his workouts are so unchallenging and boring that he's having a difficult time making it to the gym.
• Jimmy (my boss) and I are so tired of working 12 hour days that it took 2 hours to get motivated to workout and every ounce of energy just to get through the workout.
• New gym member number 40025789610 (made that up) just called to cancel her appointment for no good reason and "can't" workout at her usual time anymore until further notice.

Although plenty of people are able to stick to their resolutions there's plenty of others who need extra motivation to get through those tough times. Here's 5 things you can do that will not only make you stick with your program but get you excited about it.

Take A Class
Weights and cardio machines are great for building muscle but you have to include variety in your workout program or you'll burn out fast. Include classes like spinning, step, pilates, or kickboxing. You'll train your muscles in different ways which can be more challenging and have some fun for a change. Even better, take a friend with you and double the fun.

Have A Workout Party
Call all your friends and ask if they want to get together for a workout party. Each person brings all their fitness equipment, favorite music, and one healthy dish plus money for a personal trainer. Call a trainer and have her design a fun group workout incorporating all the equipment you have, then set a date and have her train your group for an hour or so. This works even better for those who live in apartments or homes with access to a fitness center. A much better option than going out for fattening appetizers and margaritas on the weekend.

Buy Some New Ideas
It's easy to get bored when you're doing the same stuff every day of every year for the past few years. Invest in a new workout book or magazine with innovative exercises and choose a couple of exercises that you can incorporate into your existing workout. Sometimes all it takes is one or two new twists to get you excited again.

Highly Recommended: I finally bought this amazing book and the exercises are different, fun to try, and challenging.
Strength Ball Training

Sign Up For An Event
Sign up for a walk/run marathon, bike race, triathalon, or hiking trip. You'll meet other people who are into fitness, have a short term goal for which to train, and possibly help out a good cause. You can also take a vacation to a fitness destination even if it's only for one weekend in your own backyard. Tucson for example has three awesome resorts including Miraval, Canyon Ranch, or Ventana Canyon, all offering some of the most innovative workout programs around. Find a resort near you in the yellow pages or check out Joints In Motion which benefits the arthritis foundation. They will train you to run or walk a marathon or hike a challenging trail and send you to one of several exciting locations to do it.

Get Online Motivation
Sign up for a free motivation program like Motivation 123 or Insight of the Day. They deliver inspiration and motivation by email daily. Sometimes a simple quote is all it takes to get you up for your workout. You can also buy a motivation program like Get Motivated for Life! Success System, a powerful new 7-week program from GHF based on the latest research for lifelong fitness and fat loss.

Whatever you choose to rekindle that motivation remember that taking time off every now and then can actually be beneficial and something that your body needs. Try a week off and see if this helps. Just be sure to set a goal for the following week so you don't make this a permanent break.