The school year is now winding down, and the unusual spring weather has everyone hitting the gym to prepare for an early beach season. Now that spring is here, it is time to make a commitment to something worth keeping throughout the entire year, not just for the summer. Challenge yourself right now to commit to being fit all year long. Commit yourself to managing a healthy, well-portioned diet and working out at least four times a week.

Always remember that your body does so many amazing things to keep you alive each and every day, so respect it and say ‘thank you' by making a commitment to a healthy life right now.

Here are the top 10 ways you can commit to being fit, starting today:

1. Work out at least four times a week — and remember that weights are your friend. A balance of cardio and weightlifting will help you to get fit and stay fit throughout the year.

2. Say goodbye to the usual stores in the mall and hit a fitness store near you. Treat yourself to new running shoes or workout gloves — you will be even more motivated then before to hit the gym and test out your new gear.

3. Next time you sit down for a meal, ask yourself: Do I have a well-balanced diet? Protein, complex carbs, fruits and veggies are essential to maintaining a healthy body.

4. Recruit a friend to get you motivated. If you have someone who will push you to go to workout when you are feeling sluggish, your thoughts about working out are more likely to become a reality.

5. Look into your family history. It's all the more reason to work out if there is a history of diabetes, heart attack or stroke in your family. Dedicating yourself to a few hours a week of physical activity is worth protecting your health.

6. Plan your meals — failing to plan is planning to fail. If you record in a journal ahead of time — or as you eat throughout the day — you will be more likely to stick to your diet and workout plan.

7. Set a goal. Want to run a marathon? Lift a new personal best? Setting a goal will be the extra motivation you need to commit to being fit throughout the year. Just be sure to set a goal with a realistic timeline… don't try to go from no exercise to a marathon in a week.

8. Limit your drinking. Alcohol = empty calories with no nutritional value, period.

9. Educate yourself. Visit your local nutrition or health food store to find out what you need to know to make your goals a reality.

10. Choose what you use. Skip the elevator and take the stairs… little things like this each and every day will make a huge difference in the long run.

Making a commitment to staying fit year-round might seem like an overwhelming obstacle right now, but in a few short months, working out and managing a healthy diet will start to become a part of your everyday life.

Remember, at the end of the day, “Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.” — Mahatma Gandhi