The month of January takes its name from Janus, the mythical Roman figure with two faces, one on either side of his head. Janus was said to be able to look forward and backward at the same time, which was the inspiration for New Year’s resolutions.

The Centers for Disease Control reports that 61 percent of Maine adults are overweight or obese. It’s no surprise that losing weight is a popular New Year’s resolution. The hard part, local fitness gurus say, isn’t making the resolution. It’s keeping it.

Rick Garcia, general manager of Fit Results Maine, recommends making appointments with a personal trainer to stick with a commitment to lose weight. Fit Results Maine is located on Route 302 in Windham, and was formerly the Fitness Barn.

“They motivate you and they hold you accountable,” Garcia said.

He spoke about a client, who is a former personal trainer herself. Garcia said the client knows the ins and outs of exercise as well as a member of his staff, but makes the appointments with a trainer to force her to stay with her routine.

Even for people who don’t want a personal trainer, Garcia recommends making an exercise schedule based around work, school and other weekly activities.

“You’ve got to schedule them and keep them. Otherwise, you won’t find the time,” said Garcia.

Garcia also recommends people take the time to discover a form of exercise they enjoy, like jogging or a sport.

“If you find something you like doing, you’ll find it easier to stick with it,” said Garcia.

Sticking with a routine is the biggest hurdle, says John Booth, general manager of 21st Century Family Fitness Center, also on Route 302 in Windham.

Booth said the busiest time of the year in his health club is January.

“We see it every year, like a ski mountain getting its first snow.”

Booth said the rush dies down in February, but spikes up again in March when people notice they aren’t meeting their goals.

“Being consistent is the key,” said Booth. He recommends scheduling three exercise sessions each week.

Fitness1: Jordan Kurkowski, 25, of Michigan works out at Fit Results Maine. Kurkowski routinely visits his grandparents in Windham. “Every time I’m in town, I come here,” said Kurkowski.Fitness2 and Fitness3: Rick Garcia of Fit Results Maine, formerly The Fitness Barn, lifts a dumbbell. Garcia recommends an ironclad schedule to people serious about getting in shape.Fitness2 and Fitness3: Rick Garcia of Fit Results Maine, formerly The Fitness Barn, lifts a dumbbell. Garcia recommends an ironclad schedule to people serious about getting in shape.