Back to School, Back to the Gym!
Whilst we all hate being in a rut and doing the same thing over and over again, we also thrive on routine. When the children break up for school the routine goes out the window so no doubt, whilst I am sure there were many groans when the alarm went off for their first morning back, at least you are now back in a routine, which in itself can be quite refreshing.
So what was your health and wellness routine before summer began? If you were in a good place; exercising daily, eating nutritionally balanced regular meals and maintaining a healthy weight, then I am sure you can’t wait to get back to it.
However, it that wasn’t the case then now is the time to re-strategize your health and wellness plan before winter creeps in.
The first think you will notice is that you have some extra time on your hands, so before you get used to that extra time and once again find yourself not having enough minutes, let alone hours in the day, take the opportunity to re-assert your fitness regime into your schedule.
The first question you have to ask yourself is what type of exercise you enjoy? Enjoying an activity is the only way it is going to become part of your lifestyle.
- Do you love to swim? Swimming is a great overall body workout and for anyone wishing to reduce impact through the joints, then swimming really fits the bill. Ensure you vary your strokes so as not cause a repetitive strain injury.
- Are gyms your thing? If you need variety to keep you motivated, you’ll need a gym with a lot of group classes, maybe a racquetball and basketball court and many different types of machines. If you just need to get in and out, find a facility set up for a “quickie workout;” this way you won’t be paying for all the classes and amenities you won’t be using.
- If your daily life runs at 110 miles per hour, maybe you need to consider some balance, therefore, a mind/body studio that offers, yoga, stretch and Pilates would be more beneficial.
- If you are the outdoor type take advantage of the weather. These months are a great time to exercise outdoors and enjoy cooler temperatures. What about a game of volleyball, Frisbee, or playing a vigorous game of fetch with your dog. If you live near a lake, try paddle boarding, kayaking or canoeing for an excellent whole-body workout and a great change of pace. Discover park trails and take in some new scenery, whether you’re walking, biking, or in-line skating.
- Remember, it doesn’t have to seem like exercise to be a great workout gardening or spring cleaning are great ways to get the heart pumping and burn calories.
- Maybe sign up for some dance classes, who doesn’t love to dance? Such a freeing experience and, again a great way to get the heart and lungs challenged and improve mobility.
No matter what your preference, consider finding a “workout buddy.” Making an appointment with someone, whether it a friend, a group of mother’s dropping their child off at the same school, or a trainer, that accountability to another person/s ensures a greater chance of success. It is so easy to cancel yourself, not so easy to cancel others. In fact the effort of cancelling is often perceived as more effort than the workout itself.
No matter how you feel on your workout day, make yourself a promise that you do at least 10 minutes. If, after that first 10 minutes, you are still not up to the challenge then stop and go home. You will often find the most difficult part of your workout is getting there, once you have started it really is not that bad!