I recently had a conversation with a member about the great Fitness Incentive Programs. The member said that when she first joined the club, the $240 reimbursement back to her was a huge motivating factor to her commitment of working out regularly. This is something you, the club, can provide to your members. The incentive of a reimbursement from a member’s insurance or employer group, helps to get the momentum going, and it keeps the member coming back to your club. I thought to myself, “Sometimes it is incredibly difficult to want to swim laps in the dead of winter here in Minnesota”. I come up with so many excuses – anything from how cozy my bed is and how it would surely disrupt my cat’s sleep schedule – to it being so far below zero that hopping in a lap pool sounds absolutely dreadful. I reel the thoughts back in, and suck it up. I show myself some tough love because I know exercise makes me feel so much better. I am happier, and my body allows me to do incredible activities I truly enjoy when I treat it right. I have set goals that I feel are practical and achievable; such as shaving off my lap time so I can beat my PR, and to give up snacking on Reese’s Pieces on the daily. At the end of the day, we are human. We need to be kind to ourselves, and show some grace. If you are having a hard time staying focused and need some motivation, check out this great lifestyle piece from the staff at Mayo Clinic – they share some great tips to help stay on track.