Are we motivated and disciplined to incorporate a fitness lifestyle? For most of us, I would say yes, while for others, I would have to say no. In either case, the circle of life should involve fitness as recommended by medical experts, and it should be a priority for everyone.

Health and fitness is priceless. One intense workout can make you feel good for an entire day, so imagine how you would feel if you worked out several times a week. Oftentimes, we see people who are in top physical condition, and we ask, “How did he or she do it?” Fitness is the answer.

Or have you ever looked in the mirror and thought, “Wow. I look really tired.” Daily intense workouts can help erase stress from our daily activities and replace a worn and haggard look with a bright and energetic appearance.

What motivates individuals to accomplish certain goals? Usually, it’s incentives. As children we are given incentives if we get good grades. As we become adults, we enjoy the incentives of a lucrative and rewarding career, which, in turn, allows us the freedom to do things we enjoy, such as treating ourselves to a relaxing massage at a spa, dining out at fine restaurants, going to the movies, or purchasing that dream car we’ve always wanted.

So why not apply the same motivation to start a fitness regimen as an incentive that will reward you with good health, loss of unwanted body fat and a great physique that you will be proud to show off this summer. You can do it, even if it means just walking for 10 minutes on the treadmill or walking a couple of blocks around your neighborhood.

But I know what you’re thinking. It’s something along the lines of “I don’t have time,” “I’m too tired” or “I will start tomorrow.” With that attitude, tomorrow comes and goes; and before you know it, the year has come and gone, as well as your New Year’s resolutions you made back in December.

Well, “tomorrow” has come, so it’s time to start today to invest in your health and start living a healthier lifestyle. All you need is a little self-motivation and discipline, which I believe is the key to achieving your fitness goals. So turn off the TV, get off the sofa or step away from the computer for a couple of hours, and make a commitment to exercise.

It is never too late to start your fitness routine. If it helps you to get motivated to get fit by joining a gym or health club, then, by all means, do it. Or if it helps you to pair up with someone in which you challenge one another to maintain a regular fitness program, then pick up the phone and call a friend today.

Write your fitness routine down and do not leave the fitness facility until it is completed. Conduct group fitness sessions in which everyone has the same objectives and sense of accomplishment. There is an endless list of ideas you can do, so be creative and have fun while you’re at it.

Whatever you do, don’t make excuses. If time is an issue, wake up earlier, or work out during your lunch hour. Think about it like this. If someone offered you a million dollars to compete in a marathon a year from now while still maintaining all the daily activities you normally do, I’m sure you would find time to train just thinking about that million dollars as an incentive.

If you’re feeling a little lazy or don’t truly believe you can have the health and body you’ve always wanted, corrective action is what is needed. Corrective action is looking at something or a perceived problem and taking immediate action to fix it. For example, if your car needs an oil change, you take corrective action by having your oil changed without waiting for a year to pass, so don’t let another year go by without joining a gym, signing up for aerobics classes or altering your eating habits that will yield boundless mental, emotional and physical benefits.

So with that in mind, I challenge everyone to take corrective action and do what it takes to start a fitness program today with the discipline to make it a lifelong commitment. In a few months, when you start to see results, you’ll be glad you did.