Has your get-up-and-go mindset for getting in shape disappeared into the abyss since your last training session? Staying motivated to stick with your workout routine is one of the biggest challenges of getting in shape, and sometimes even the most enthusiastic personal trainer or workout buddy can't help.

Maintaining that energy and enthusiasm takes work - a trip to Starbucks doesn't count - but there are some easy ways to make those trips to the gym a tad more exciting so you can turn yourself into the Prince (or Princess) of Persistence. You can start with:

1. Tackling a new activity. Getting stuck in a rut is one of the easiest ways to lose motivation and trade that much-needed gym time for a trip to the dessert café next door. Take on a new challenge with Olympian spirit and up the self-motivation factor instantly.

2. Calling a friend. Buddy up with someone who could use a great workout this week and make it a gym date. Having someone hold you accountable for the workout can make it easier to stick with it for the long haul; think of it as training wheels until you're ready to blast through those workouts alone.

3. Logging your time. Keeping track of time spent at the gym can be a great way to measure your progress and your success. Charting your time on a calendar or PDA will give you some numbers to work with and a visual incentive to keep making that number grow! Clock your time using a sports watch or other monitoring device so you can fine tune that progress chart and be proud of every step.

4. Train for another reward. If becoming more fit and looking great aren't enough of a motivation factor, consider rewarding yourself with other goodies like that mini vacation you've always wanted to take, a shopping spree to pick up the latest handbag, or even a simple reward of having a day off work can be a better payoff in the short-term.

5. Take it to the office. If your usual gym routine takes place after work, put up some motivational quotes and posters around the office or design a fun screensaver. This can help you get into the mindset of sticking with your plans at all costs and keep you focused and positive throughout the day.