When the going gets tough, the tough mix it up and keep on going.

In January, the gyms were packed with eager patrons, looking to burn off those holiday pounds or seeking a new, healthier lifestyle. As the weeks and months ticked away, the crowds thinned, and by the end of March, only a small percentage of those new patrons still have their eyes on the prize.Patrick Smith of Jim Thorpe, whose been sharing his journey to a healthier lifestyle with Times News readers, is in it for the long haul."I'm never bored with it," says Smith of his fitness goal. "Because of my schedule, I miss out on things socially, but I know that I need to do this for my end goal."He shares a smile as he works up a sweat on the step machine at Pyramid Sports Performance Center in Lehighton."Maybe I was a little too social before."While Smith has remained focused over the past few months, he expressed some disappointment that he hadn't lost as much weight as he'd have hoped. Of course, he had no idea what that weight loss was, because even though he'd been weighed at the gym and at his doctor's office, he didn't want to know the actual number. What he did know, was that his doctor was pleased.After some discussion, he agreed to find out and share it with us: 16 pounds."It's more than I thought," he said. "I'm surprised. I usually avoid those numbers.While his trainer, Thommie Wilson is enthusiastic about Smith's progress, he admits those numbers could have been greater."It could be a lot higher if he was more diligent with his diet," Wilson said. "He's not being ultra militant with his diet. He's doing it the healthy way. A little bit here, a little bit there. It all adds up."While Smith doesn't concern himself much with the numbers on the scale, he is excited about those on a measuring tape. So far, he's lost 21 inches, a combination of his neck, chest, arms, waist, thighs and calves."I have gained inches in my chest," he said with a grin, "but I don't mind that one. In my upper thighs too."And those numbers lost result in a change in his appearance. For example, he no longer has a hard time with dress shirts fitting. On the downside, if there is one, his new suit no longer fits either - it's too big.For Smith, this is about all the motivation he needs to stick with it."There are times that I'm really tired and grumpy, depending how work goes, and I may not be in the mood for it, but it's still part of my day. I've made it a priority," said Smith."I thought about calling out one day last week, but I just couldn't do it. I felt guilty."Smith said he has a good support system, and that helps keep him motivated. Plus, he has a different routine every time so it keeps him from getting bored at the gym. The friends he's made there are also part of that support system.While this hasn't been a big problem for Smith, Wilson has some advice for those who are losing their focus."It depends on the person," said Wilson, "but generally one of the standard things I do if we're feeling beat down and negative about our work or bored - and it's usually bored - we would do a weigh-in to make sure we're heading in the right direction."Another recommendation is taking measurements."The majority of the time, the measurements will cause that spark like they had in the beginning," said Wilson, "because they'll see things are on the right track.Another suggestion is to switch up the routine altogether."I would try to get them re-interested in working out - a fitness class or going for a jog or walk outside. Positive reinforcement. It goes a long way."Smith said personally, he likes the compliments."I'm a more positive reinforcement guy."