Some of us have a long list of excuses when it comes to working out. Maybe it's, "My job is too demanding and I don't have time to fit it in." For others it's, "I'm not into (fill in the blank) - jogging, biking, running, yoga, kick-boxing." Or better yet, "I've let myself go for too long and there's no point in starting back up again now... plus, it's raining today." Mike Morris and Ross Hadfield, co-owners of Fitness Together, Back Bay, a personal training studio, where you can work out in a private room with your personal trainer, are here to get you motivated. For starters, the private room concept takes care of yet another excuse, the one where you say, "I'm embarrassed to work out in front of others." So quit making excuses and listen up.

"Some people come in because they need accountability," says Mike, who in addition to being co-owner is also a personal trainer at the studio. Mike also practices what he preaches: He competes in adventure races like the Eco Challenge for Team Nemo, and enjoys mountain biking. Let's put it this way, ladies, his trim physique is an inspiration in itself.

After meeting with a client for the first time at the Back Bay studio, which is located on a stretch of spa-and-salon-filled Newbury Street, Mike or another trainer, Skip, will come up with a fitness and nutrition plan that works for you. "Whether you want to look good in a bathing suit for summer or you have a medical condition... [it's about] finding something you enjoy," says Mike. And when it comes to diet, adds Mike: "There are three variables - portion control, food quality and meal frequency." Everyone has different goals, he says, but overall he recommends sticking to low fat foods and eating smaller meals every three to four hours.

Prices range from $65 to $75 per session and clients start out with a free consultation where body fat, circumference, cardio vascular and upper body strength and flexibility are measured. After six to eight weeks of 45-minute training sessions on an average of about two to four times per week, clients come back for another assessment to check their progress. Overall, "accountability pushes them along," says Mike. "They have to make a commitment to themselves and not put life and fitness on the backburner." His goal, however is not to intimidate or push too hard. "We lead with more of a carrot than a stick," he adds.

Fitness Together, Back Bay is part of the nation's largest personal training franchise with over 40 locations in Massachusetts and 300 across the U.S. The Boston location is at 36 Newbury Street, 3rd Floor, 616.247.3900. www.fitnesstogether.com