Exercise is essential to maintaining or improving your fitness level. Many people begin an exercise program with the best of intentions, only to throw in the towel after a few weeks. When it comes to exercising, consistency is the key to success. To change your body and level of fitness, you must exercise consistently at least three to four days each week. Also eat a healthy, well-balanced diet each day and you will reach your goals.

Set Goals
Determine what your fitness goals are and write them down. Goals for some may include losing weight or lowering their level of body fat. Athletes often wish to increase endurance or speed for their chosen sport.

Writing your goals down will help you to identify what is important to you and what you must do to achieve it. Short-term goals are often more attainable. Instead of attempting to lose 50 pounds at the beginning of your exercise program, set a short-term goal of losing five pounds in one month.

Once you achieve your goals, set another one and move toward accomplishing that goal. Writing down your goals is a good motivational tool because you can look back and see just how far you have come in your fitness efforts.

Have Fun
Choose exercises that are fun and enjoyable for you. Cardiovascular exercise is an important part of any exercise program because it is good for your heart and increases the metabolism. However, if you must drag yourself to the gym to perform your cardio, then you might have trouble sticking to your plan.

Choose something you enjoy. If you love to swim, join a local YMCA or fitness center that has an in-house pool. Swim laps for 30 to 45 minutes, three to four times each week. If you enjoy the outdoors, pick up hiking or biking. Choosing activities that you enjoy doing will keep you motivated to continue. Switch up your weekly workout program to include different types of exercises. This will help you to avoid the dreaded "plateau" in your fitness program and keep things interesting.

Find a Partner
Most people find that they are more likely to exercise if they are accountable to someone else. When choosing a training partner, pick someone reliable. Pick someone you know is punctual and as dedicated to fitness as you are. Training partners who have an upbeat, positive personality are the best choice. Exercising with someone older than you can provide you with some useful information that only comes from experience, while a younger workout partner can add some youthful exuberance to your daily workout.