Lack of motivation can be a difficult hurdle to clear when approaching any activity or goal. And that’s particularly so with fitness-related goals, as lack of motivation to exercise, which many people find boring and unenjoyable, is an oft-cited reason for living a sedentary lifestyle.

The benefits of exercise, which include decreased risk for chronic disease, weight management, and improved mental health, should be all the motivation anyone needs to get up and go. But some people still need a little help to ensure they stay the course and achieve their fitness goals. People can try these strategies if their motivation to exercise is lacking.

Embrace a new routine. While millions of people can’t imagine a day without breaking a sweat at the gym, others find gym-based workouts a little tedious and lacking in excitement. If that outlook sounds familiar, individuals can embrace new exercise routines that engage them. Sports provide great exercise, so adults can look into activities like pickleball, jogging and cycling to break a sweat and get fit. Each of those activities can greatly improve cardiovascular fitness and help people maintain healthy weights.

Set small goals along the way to larger ones. Fitness-related progress does not come overnight, so what appears to be a lack of daily results can make it difficult to stay committed for the long haul. Setting short-term goals along the way to long-term ones can provide all the motivation people need to keep going. For example, if your ultimate goal is to lose 10 pounds, set a one-pound-per-week shorter goal. Being able to measure your progress each week can motivate you to stay the course.

Remind yourself why you’re looking to get more fit. There’s no bad reason to get fit. Some people who find they lack the motivation to keep going simply need to remind themselves why they started an exercise regimen in the first place. Did you want to shed weight before a class reunion? Get healthy so you can be more active with your children? Exercise more to reduce your risk for a disease or condition that runs in your family? By routinely reminding yourself why you initially set out to get more fit, you may provide that little extra spark you need to stay the course. Set up smartphone notifications as reminders if you feel you need a daily refresher regarding your motivation to exercise.

Make it a family affair. The buddy system is effective in many applications, and it can be particularly good at motivating people to stay the course and achieve their fitness goals. Encourage a spouse, sibling, friend, or even your whole family to join you as you begin your journey to a healthier you. With someone there to get you going each day, you’re less likely to skip workouts.

Staying motivated to exercise may not be easy. But there’s a number of things people can do to ensure their motivation to get fit does not wane.