A: I encourage my clients to reach the full potential of their workouts by being motivated and committed for the long term throughout the year. It takes more than jogging a few miles once a week or participating in the weekly company softball game.

Here are 8 tips to keep you focused on achieving your fitness goals for not only the outdoor months, but for the rest of your life:

1. Fitness devices, such as heart rate monitors, calorie counters, body fat analyzers and pedometers are very important in monitoring progress and keeping people on the right track to meeting their goals.

2. If you are inactive, begin with frequent but shorter workouts (25-30 minutes, three to five days per week) and let your body adapt to the change in activity level. Gradually increase the time of each workout after completing 12 sessions.

3. If you are active three to five times per week, add one or two high-intensity workouts per week to boost metabolism, effort level and fitness.

4. Drop those winter pounds efficiently by keeping a fuel log. Use a notebook or a free online source so that it’s easy to keep track of your meals, calories and exercise.

5. Gather up the girls and think of exercising as group therapy. Before you know it the workout is done, you’ve enjoyed it and had quality time with your friends.

6. Avoid doing the same exercise or machine over and over again. Your body will become efficient at that exercise and won’t burn as many calories as when you first started.

7. Incorporate strengthening exercises into your regimen two to three times per week. Increasing lean muscle tissue will boost resting metabolism, help decrease inches from your body and provide a strong base to prevent injuries.

8. Be patient. Getting active takes time. It takes 21 days to create a new habit. Exercising regularly can become a habit over time. Make it a priority in your life and you’ll find in a few weeks you’ll wonder how you managed without it.

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