Back To School Means Back To Fitness

Fall Year’s Resolutions are bigger than New Year’s Resolutions.

Just over eight months ago, following much toasting and celebrating, you rang in the New Year and made a list of resolutions, including “This is the year I’m going to get fit!”  Now it’s September, and gyms are once again packed. There are wait times for cardio equipment and lineups for classes.  Could it be that Fall Year’s Resolutions are bigger than New Year’s Resolutions?  Fitness has gotten fabulous again this fall.  And the timing couldn’t be better.

Have you noticed how busy gyms are this fall?  It’s September and it looks like New Years at gyms across the country. I went to my local sweatshop and found myself waiting for my favourite weights, instead of fast-tracking my way through a serious workout.  Frustrated, I glanced at the crowd and realized, most of these folks were likely parents whose kids were back at school.  I could literally hear new moms saying, “The kids are at school. Now it’s ME time!”

It appears Fall is a more appealing time to recommit to fitness than New Year’s and it makes sense.  The summer hiatus usually means you take a break from your normal workout and eating schedules. You celebrate a lot and work out less (if you don’t have a goal).  Everyone goes back to their routine in September, whether that includes work, exercise or Eating Clean®.  The Fall feels like the ideal time to go back to our healthy habits.

So …. don’t wait until New Years! Here are 8 strategies to help you commit to your Fall Resolutions.

8 Strategies To Help Commit To Fall Resolution

1. Pen and Paper:

Write it like you mean it.  Writing your goals on paper makes you 50% more likely to achieve success. Tell yourself you want to lose 12 pounds rather than saying, “I want to lose weight.”  Or say, “I will run a half marathon in 6 months.”  Specific goals are far easier to reach, and help us map out a plan to achieve them.  Log your progress on a daily basis.

2. Chunks, Not Mountains:

Set a goal but don’t try for the world record.  A weight loss goal of 12 pounds can be broken down into 3-pound increments, for a total of 4 weeks of effort. Running your first 10K? Start with small runs and work your way up.  You are far more likely to stick to your program by achieving smaller goals, and therefore more likely to achieve success.

3. Treats not cheats:

Reward yourself when you have accomplished the first chunk of your goal. Steer clear from food, though! Go for a massage or book a blow out.  Watch a movie, find an interesting cultural event to attend or indulge yourself in new fitness wear. The treat enhances your sense of accomplishment and will keep you on track as you progress towards your final goal.

4. Why oh Why?

I train for my brain, more than my booty.  What’s your reason? Science today provides numerous benefits from exercising, ranging from boosting brain volume, increasing the production of neurotransmitters, powering up happiness, strengthening the skeletal system and building confidence, among the many. It’s important to know what moves you to move.  Is it boosting happiness? Immunity? Dropping a dress size?  Connect with your emotional self.  Find your reason and make it the fuel that drives you, during your wellness journey.

5. A standing appointment:

There are two crucial steps in taking control of your time.  These include establishing goals and following a schedule. Your chances at success are greatly improved when you create a schedule that will enable you to reach your goals successfully. Make a date with yourself, for regular training sessions and active rest days, so you don’t skip out on yourself.  Make YOU a priority.

6. Variety is the spice of life:

Mix up your training by taking it indoors and out.  Sign up for swimming lessons.  Learn how to rebound or ride a horse.  Try something new.  Exercise is available in countless ways.  Be sure to engage in a healthy variety in order to maintain interest and commitment.

7. Re-assess not recess!

Take a minute every now and then to review where you are now and where you have been.  I recommend taking a Selfie, with a date on it, to establish a baseline.  Then you will know exactly where you are.  As you progress, do a weekly self-check. Have you tightened up? Have you lost pounds? Have you gained muscle? The nuances of wellness come in many forms, not just pounds. Your tummy may be flatter, less upset. You might be sleeping better.  Note these.

8. A little help here!

Going it alone is rarely a good idea unless you are a loris! (a very shy animal found in the jungles of Sri Lanka). Training in a group or with someone else amps up the accountability factor.  When you know your training partner is going through the same effort as you are, it’s harder to make excuses to break your date.  You will find the energy to participate, no matter what.  And on days when you are strong and your training partner isn’t, you will return the favor.

Join in the fall fun.  Make a Fall Year’s Resolution to get active again.  Temperatures are ideal for outdoor hikes, runs, and rides.  The air is crisp and clean and the scenery, in many parts of our beautiful continent, is breathtaking.

Remember,

I am always listening.

Tosca Reno

PS. Looking for that extra edge in guidance?  Join one of my Membership programs – Commit, Boost, or Engage – where you will receive regular doses of nutrition, fitness and wellness love from yours truly.

PSS.  If you want super duper, one on one time with me, I recommend the Boost or Engage levels, where you and I will be working together every month!! You will love it, I promise!  I can change your life.

OH BY THE WAY …. I need, yes need, you to share with me.  Let me know what your Fall Year’s Resolution will be.  I’m telling you, you need to share because I am sure you will inspire someone else to do the same.  Come on now!