Ah, February. A month marked by the appearance of groundhogs and valentines and the disappearance of New Year's exercise resolutions. Having trouble hitting the gym? You're not alone. A recent Marist poll found that while half of all Americans commit to resolutions on Jan. 1, that about a third give up within months.

So if getting your butt in better shape is a 2010 goal, how to go the distance? Patch consulted with local experts about making fitness a lifestyle fixture.

Gurus of Get Fit

Exercise options abound in Port, with more than a dozen gyms, studios and wellness centers in town. Patch spoke with the duo behind the Bar Method, Molly Mulholland and Michele Rowe, Evolution Pilates owner Monika Wolfe, the team at Om Sweet Om yoga studio, Gail Grossman and Lisa Bondy, and Training Station owner Peter Karika.

Devotees of the down dog, masters of the mat, coaches of crunches. Whatever you want to call it, these folks are fitness enthusiasts and in fantastic shape, all using different disciplines to achieve the same result. All glow with health and enthusiasm when talking about their exercise habits. So how do our get-fit gurus stick to their mats and mantras day in and day out?

Get Real

All agree that having realistic expectations is key. "People bite off more than they can chew," said Grossman of Om Sweet Om. "They start off strong, then burn out."

If burnout is a problem, its time to recalibrate the commitment. Do one class a week rather than five or fewer reps of each crunch. Reset expectations for results. Wait for the pounds to melt off slowly and for flexibility and endurance to increase over time.

"Don't start with a marathon, start with a 10-minute walk daily," echoed Wolfe of Evolution Pilates.

Recognize that learning a new skill takes time and practice. If a form of exercise is totally new, know that extra effort is initially needed to speed up the learning and results curve. For this reason, many studios and gyms offer deals for new clients. Om Sweet Om offers new members unlimited classes for a month for $40; the Bar Method gives the same deal for $175. The Training Station provides a free personal training session for each new member. Evolution Pilates also offers newcomers a complementary 30-minute session.

"Set short, attainable goals," advises Karika, the owner of Training Station. "Take a class you couldn't take before, add a weight to the machine, increase the time on the treadmill. Success builds upon success."

Try, Try Again

And if at first you don't succeed? "Forgive yourself quickly," recommends Bondy of Om Sweet Om. "Then start again!"

Recommit yourself if you fall off the wagon or in some cases get involuntarily knocked off. "Kids getting sick often keep moms from making it to class," said Rowe of Bar Method.

No matter how much time elapses, experts advise getting back in the class and starting anew. "Do what you can, when you can," Rowe added.

Gyms and studios often try combating the winter doldrums by offering clients challenges. Om Sweet Om recently ran a "Re-intention Tour" challenging members to commit to 21 days of yoga within a 30-day period with prizes for successful participants. The Bar Method is preparing a similar three-month challenge for members; prizes will include free classes.

Your gym isn't offering a challenge? Make your own with a friend or family member. People who exercise in pairs can often do better at sticking to intentions. "When you do something with someone else, you can motivate each other," said Mulholland, co-owner of the Bar Method.

So find a partner for your run or attend classes with a friend. Make exercise a family affair. Many centers offer classes for the whole family. The Training Station has a Junior Fitness Program so kids as young as six can join the fun. Om Sweet Om also offers family yoga and pajama yoga for kids and tweens. Both centers also provide babysitting.

I Heart Exercise

At the end of the day, what keeps people committed to fitness is the fun factor. "You can't struggle through something just because someone tells you to," said Wolfe of Evolution Pilates. "It has to be fun."

This sentiment was echoed by all of the experts. "Find fun," Training Station's Karika said. "Is it a sculpt class? A spin class? Variety is key."

Om Sweet Om's Bondy made a simple recommendation. "Enjoy what you do," she said. "Practice for the love of the way you feel during and after."

In yoga it is often said that the destination is the journey. Goal setting and results can provide a framework for adding exercise to your daily routine, but it's the day-to-day application that is its own reward. "Every time I get on my mat, it's a new day," said Grossman of Om Sweet Om. "No grandiose goals, every day I revisit. What do I need today?"

Take it one day at a time.

Even Gurus Have Goals

Gail Grossman (Om Sweet Om): To get to my mat as often as I can.
Lisa Bondy (Om Sweet Om): Practice.
Michele Rowe (Bar Method): Adding yoga to my fitness routine.
Molly Mulholland (Bar Method): I'd love to train for another marathon.
Monika Wolfe (Evolution Pilates): Practice Pilates five out of seven days. Get back to spin class.
Peter Karika (Training Station): To keep feeling great.

How Our Experts Add Variety

Gail: Weight training, running and walking as much as I can; rock climbing
Lisa: Running, walking, biking, swimming and hiking.
Michele: Running
Molly: Run, walk (even if its with my stroller!)
Monika: Yoga, spinning, the bar method
Peter: Racquetball