September is often like the autumn version of the New Year’s Resolution. It’s the inevitable time during the year where our minds need a pep talk in order to get back into a routine; back to work normal hours, get the kids back in the rhythm of school again, and to get back into a routine at the gym.
We get it, summer is a difficult time of year to keep a routine going. The lake, beach, hiking, camping, fishing, beers on the patio, road trips. But now that it’s back-to-school time (yikes!) here are some tips to help you get back into your best fitness routine!
Make a Commitment
Announce your intention.
If you make a commitment to go to the gym on a specific and regular schedule, for a specific amount of time, you take the pressure off yourself to decide daily if you should go. For example, commit to going for a workout 3 times a week until November. Be vocal about it, tell everyone, add it into your schedule and post it. You’ve now made your commitment and you’ve now made yourself accountable.
Workout with a Friend
It’s always more fun to work out with a buddy! Having accountability of a friend and the social support of a good habit makes it more likely to stick.
Plan & Prepare
Schedule your workouts in advance. Lay your gear out the night before and plan your meals ahead of time. Success is simple when you plan ahead. If you know your gym time is at 5pm, your gym bag is already in the car when you get off work, and dinner is in the slow cooker, life is easier! If you know you’ll put it off, plan ahead to get up in the morning for a quick 30 minute workout before your work day.
Make it fun!
If you don’t enjoying going to the gym, it’s going to be harder to get back on track. Do something you enjoy doing. There are so many different ways to move our bodies, and to have fun doing it! Join a challenge, set a goal or reward or find just an moving activity that you’d enjoy to get you started back.
Start Small
When we’ve been away from the gym for a time, whether it’s a week or over a month, we aren’t usually at our strongest or fastest when we first get back at it. So be realistic with your expectations of yourself. Don’t beat yourself up if you’re not still where you hoped you’d be –it’ll come back with getting into a regular routine again.
Just a few tips to help you get started. Happy September!
