Sydney, Oct 24 : No matter how enthused people are about hitting the gym, they make excuses to skip working out at least once a week, says a poll.

In a recent News poll survey in which 979-health club members were investigated, it was found that 63 per cent of gym goers opted out of a workout at least once a week.

In the poll the respondents cited several reasons for de-motivation with cold weather and dark nights being common excuses but mental fatigue was the reason most often given.

Jeff Bond, former head of Sport Psychology at the Australian Institute of Sport, said that attitude was very essential to long-term fitness.

"Physical fitness is something that gradually builds up over time, and while physical strength and training will get you on the track, crossing the line will depend on your mental toughness and the power of your mind to stay focused and motivated. The same is true for anyone looking for training results,” Smh.com.au quoted him, as saying.

"There is a well-researched link between mental and physical performance, with some elite athletes reporting their performance on the day is 90 per cent mental,” he said.

The survey also found that 94 per cent of respondents were aware of the importance of drinking fluids before exercising, but only 53 per cent actually did so thereby lessening their chances of completing a vigorous training session.

Bond laid more stress on the need for adequate fluid intake during exercise.

"A reduction in hydration levels is a source of stress on our mental system and makes it extremely difficult to get into ‘the zone’ - a concept fundamental to high performance. If you're not sufficiently hydrated it won't be possible to maintain the level of focus and alertness to exercise to the best of your abilities,” Bond said. (ANI)