Committed to Commitment 

This week I’m excited to have TOPS Member Content Associate Taylor Patton as my special guest blogger.

As of today there are five days before Christmas and less than two weeks before the end of the year, and the various health clubs, wellness centers and fitness studios of the world aren’t letting you forget it.

In fact, on the way to the office this morning, it seemed like there were more gym memberships being promoted over the radio than there were songs being played.

“Join now! Only $9.99 a month—No Commitments!”

“No Commitment* Join Now and Save!”

“No Monthly Commitment!”

I admit, even I contemplated taking advantage of this, and I haven’t had a gym membership since junior year of high school … and I only had it so I could use the tanning bed.

The fact that a fee won’t be taken out of our bank account each month makes joining much easier to swallow. If we want to stop after a month or so—we can. We have an out.

But when it comes to staying true to your weight-loss journey, you don’t want an “out.” While it’s true that you don’t need to be committed to any one gym, you absolutely need a commitment—to yourself.

Without commitment, there isn’t a special sale, deal or gym punch card that will help you get to goal. Many weight-loss promotions promise quick results, but losing weight and (most importantly!) keeping it off requires commitment to a healthier self. The commitment you make to yourself moving forward will serve as motivation for your weight-loss journey.

No idea where to start? Here are some small, manageable tips to help you get started:

Tip #1: Write down your commitment on a Post-it note and stick it somewhere you can see. This is a promise you are making to yourself. When you are feeling down or struggling, refer back to it and it’ll help inspire you to continue on.

Tip #2: Don’t go at it alone. When TOPS says, “We’re Here For You ©,” we mean it! TOPS is here to offer the support and tools necessary for a healthier lifestyle. Don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Tip #3: Think small for big results. The word “long-term” can seem daunting, so instead, why not break it up a bit? Make a few small goals over the course of a week … then a month. Repetition will turn those bad habits into good ones.

Tip #4: Say it loud, say it proud! Tell someone else about the commitment you wrote down for Tip #1. This will help you stay accountable.

Make 2018 the year you commit to your weight loss, to your goals and to yourself. See you lighter!

Members, if you’re committing to get fit in 2018, check out the “12 Days of Fitmas” exercises on the Official TOPS Club Inc. Facebook page, or login to the Members Area and check out our sample workouts under Getting Active.