Going to the gym and losing weight is a popular new year's resolution, but it is also a tough one to keep.

According to Marty Ahumada, Health and Wellness Director at the Thousand Oaks YMCA, 85 percent of people who sign up and join a gym drop off within the first six weeks.

"Our goal as part of my goal is to get everybody engaged with the different activities that we have," Ahumada said.

Ahumada said one key to weight loss success is focusing on little things and not the overall final goal.

"If you are trying to lose x amount or gain x amount or looking at that big goal and you miss it one week, then it tends to get people frustrated," Ahumada said.

Carol Kelly, who set a goal in 2011 and hoped to continue her success in 2012, said it's best to take things step by step.

"I think once you get into a lifestyle or a habit of working out regularly, it becomes a whole lot easier," Kelly said.

One thing Alan Kwast said he did was clean out his refrigerator.

"Believe it or not i need to drop about ten pounds," Kwast said.  "My best deal is i started by going in and raiding the refrigerator and the cupboards taking out anything that might be negative and starting over from there."

"You've got to make it part of your life and you've got to start somewhere. The first thing to do is to start at home.  Go in and take out all of the things, chips, and all the things that are left over from new year's. Get rid of that.  Start putting in some vegetables, fruits.  Start doing the right thing."

Both Ahumada and Kwast said finding a partner is also a big help.

"Each of you give each other a call and say, 'hey we're going to make it,'" Kwast said.  "You might run 30 mintues late.  You got up a little late that day.  But make sure you get here for your partner and both of you are working out together."