Why is it that it is so hard to start a workout routine and stick to it? Why is it that we can consistently stay on the track to fitness for awhile, but fall off the tracks dramatically?

I've spoken all over this site about 'eliminating the excuses' for fitness.

Let's talk about some of these excuses:

• Life got too busy. I'll get back into the routine when I free up some time
  The problem with motivation is that when you have it, it is easy to lose. It takes 20 times as long to build up motivation than it does to lose it. The reality is, fitness needs to take a priority in your queue of responsibilities. This can mean running on lunch break, hitting the gym in the morning, walking up 10 flights of stairs to work: WHATEVER. The point is, we need to MAKE time in our busy schedule. If that means missing 24 or LOST -- so be it.
• I'm not losing/gaining any weight!
  For some reason, if we don't see immediate results we quit and become motivated. The reality is this: The body doesn't change very quickly. As such, I've always recommended 1) Only weighing in once a week, and 2) For people bulking up, taking pictures of your body maximum once a week so you can actually visualize the improvements over time. HAVE PATIENCE. Stick to the program.
• 'Going to the gym' / 'Running' / 'Working out' is boring
  Often the topic of heated debate. You need to figure out a way to make exercise enjoyable. Maybe it is knowing that you are getting healthier and (probably) better looking. Maybe it is listening to some of your favorite tunes at the gym. Maybe it is competitive sports (For instance, squash, and training muscles to make your squash game better).
• Here are some more common 'excuses'
  "I'm sick, I'll exercise when I'm better". "I missed lunch, so I'll skip the gym tonite", "I'm hungover", "I don't have the right gear with my right now", "I'm tired", etc.

Here are some tips to keep 'excuses' out of your life:

1. Go to the gym either directly before or after work. Pack your fitness clothes in your car (or knapsack) so you are prepared and don't have to get home. For most people, arriving home and turning on the TV is enough to ruin an evening of potential fitness.
2. Try to get into a routine. Work out on the same days (ie. M-W-F) and do it EVERY WEEK -- especially Monday. If you miss a day, make it up. Don't break the routine. We are all creatures of habit and a set routine makes things easier.
3. If you workout after work, eat a light snack in the afternoon. It'll raise your energy levels (and your motivation levels too)
4. Try to eliminate as many 'excuses' as you can, and learn to identify when you are lying to yourself.

Hope this helps!

Jordan
www.gimme20.com