BAKERSFIELD, Calif. -- With the holidays coming to an end, gyms across town are expected to be filled with people hoping to melt away those extra holiday pounds.

Inside Body Xchange gym in the Southwest, gym goers like Caneel Aguliar hit the treadmill first thing Friday morning. She said it is not part of her New Years resolution but rather getting back on track after over- indulging this holiday season.

"Trying to get healthier. It's hard to do resolutions because they seem to fail but if you make it a life style change then hopefully it works out," said Aguliar.

Aguilar is not alone. Gym officials said they expect to see more people hitting the weights in hopes to shed unwanted pounds come the next few weeks.

Experts said the first key in achieving your weight loss is to set realistic fitness goals.

"The thing with fitness and exercise is people have to look at it through two perspectives," said Rick Dennis, Vice President of Body Xchange. "One, consistency and two, longevity. Consistency is two to three days a week of regular exercise. Longevity is pretty much the rest of your life. If you really want to get in shape and maintain that fitness level you will have to do it on an ongoing basis."

Dennis also said people are more likely to stick to their goals if they start slow. And if you get bored with your routine don't quit, mix it up by taking a class or sign up for group personal training.