It’s time to get your back into your back-to-school routine.
Ahhh, September. The kids are dressed in their new clothes, carrying new books, and entering new classes. It’s a time filled with excitement and wonder…and just a little bit of misery that the summer is pretty much over.
It’s been over a decade since I left university, but the impact of that back to school routine hasn’t really left my mind. September always fills me with the feeling of “newness” and the desire to get into a fresh routine.
If you have kids, you may find that you’re experiencing a sense of renewed routine in your life as those rugrats become someone else’s responsibility more regularly.
I Really Enjoyed My Summer
I heard a few fitness competitor friends say recently “I really enjoyed my summer” to explain that they hadn’t been following their nutrition and workout routines quite so religiously over the warmer months. It generally means they went to BBQs, attended weddings, and had a few too many boozy nights at the cottage without bringing their tupperware containers full of chicken and broccoli. The result is that many once-lean fitness models and bodybuilders have a little bit of extra padding than they did when they stepped on stage in the Spring.
Have you been having an “Off-Season” too? Have you gotten off track with your nutrition regime and skipped more than a few gym sessions to enjoy a few drinks at a patio?
Now’s a great time to get back into it!
Back to the Gym
September is the second busiest month of the year at gyms (next to January, of course!). Why? People aren’t going to cottages anymore, the weather is getting less conducive for outdoor activities, and the kids are back in their routines too.
If you have kids, use their structured routines to help you form your own schedule for working out. Drop your daughter off to soccer practice and head to the gym. Or bring your toddler to the gym to play at the daycare while you do your workout. Maybe you can even try one of those parent and child martial arts classes that seem to be getting popular. Not only will you be helping achieve your fitness goals, but you’ll be a positive role model for your little ones.
Don’t Cry Over Summer
I am a HUGE fan of summer! Sometimes I wish it was summer all the time. I’ve found, however, that I’m much more productive in the colder months. I do more writing and focus more on my workouts (rather than occasionally blowing them off for an afternoon pool party) because I don’t feel depressed being indoors when I know the cold wind outside could blast me at any moment.
Take advantage of the benefits of the “Back to School” season. It could just be your most productive time yet. You’ll also be on a roll when those New Year’s Resolutions hit in January.
