"Get out the door and start your workout for five minutes," she said. "Most likely, you will want to continue whatever you are doing to keep your body in motion."

This rule may also be helpful for gym-goers frustrated by long lines, as it is hard to pass up quality time on a machine or weightlifting device when so much time is spent waiting to use the equipment, she said.

Still, regularly long lines at on-campus fitness facilities or time-consuming trips to them can deter students from keeping up with their routines.

That is when changing the routine or place of workout may be helpful, Stranzl said.

Cycling classes are becoming popular options for those wishing to stay in-shape, but who may be tired of typical treadmill workouts or aerobic routines, said Darian Pletcher, manager of BodyWorks Health & Fitness Center, 127 Sowers St.

The 50-minute classes feature choreographed routines on exercise bicycles.

They also incorporate low- to high-intensity routines, he said.

Pilates, a system of exercises that focuses on flexibility and toning, is also a good choice for those wanting to get -- and stay -- in shape, he said.

"If you've never done it [Pilates] before, you might see it and think 'How could it be that hard?' " Pletcher said. "But the truth is, it's a great workout."

The benefits of other workouts, such as Yoga, can extend far past the physical level, said Doug Hayward, owner of Yoga in State College, 220 S. Allen St.

"Yoga is like taking a bath on the inside," he said. "It's physically, as well as mentally, invigorating."

The body's position and participant's state-of-mind are essential for obtaining optimum flexibility, toning and results, he said.

If you decide to stick to the gym, it is important to make small adjustments to your workout to keep motivation levels high, Stranzl added.

Variations can include anything from buying a new pair of socks to switching up workout music.

"Studies have shown people produce a much better workout when beginning with slower paced music and gradually getting faster paced as the workout concluded," she said.

The faster beats increase adrenaline rush, pumping up the exercisers to push harder during their workouts, she said.

When the weather gets warmer, try altering your running, walking or biking workout by taking time to really enjoy the surroundings, she said.

"Run to a stream or creek and stretch your legs while stopping on the bridge," she said.

"A small moment of meditation can set you at ease and result in inner-peace that we tend to ignore throughout our busy schedules."

Whatever is done to keep exercise enthusiasm going, a promise to more than just a New Year's resolution must be made to stay fit yearlong.

"You need to make a commitment to a healthy lifestyle," Pletcher said. "Set small goals so that they are attainable."