TIP: The change of seasons is a great time to reevaluate your workout schedule and goals.
Vacations are over and the kids are back to school. There is a crisp, business-as-usual breeze in the air, even for those whose lives aren't subject to the school year schedule. It is a great time of year to reevaluate, set new goals, and to start (or restart) your fitness plan.
Find fitness in the neighborhood
Many fitness facilities and YMCAs start new class schedules in the fall. Don't forget to check the newspaper for local group fitness classes. Programs like Strong Living often meet in town halls, recreation centers, or senior centers. Most hospitals have Wellness or Community Health departments that offer classes to improve your fitness and overall health.
List your options
How to get started? Make a list of at least four activities you enjoy, and don't forget to consider the weather. If you enjoy crisp fall and winter temperatures, mix up the indoor and outdoor options. Fall in New Hampshire is magnificent, so get outside and take in the terrific scenery. Try some new hiking trails, and when the snow comes, consider cross-country skiing or snowshoeing. For indoor options, you might include taking a new class, joining a fitness facility or setting up a home workout program.
If you already have an exercise schedule that works, don't change it. You may have to adapt your exercise program to accommodate school schedules. Be realistic, find the times that work for you and then make the commitment to honor your goals.
Think accountability will be an issue?
Then find a fitness buddy to help you stay motivated. Keep a journal or chart to help you stick to your plan and track your accomplishments.
Develop an exercise "habit"?
Can regular exercise really be a habit? Maybe, but for me it is always a conscious choice. There are different theories of behavior change but in practice, everyone is different. In some cases, the big, comprehensive change is best. At other times, small steps and incremental changes will progress toward personal goals in a more sustainable way.
One of my goals was to go to the gym, three mornings a week. While I did OK with the schedule, I had to cut my fitness routine short because I ran out of time before work. I just set a new goal of getting out of the house 30 minutes earlier, and this time decided to take it in stages -- 10 minutes earlier each week.
Whether by habit or by choice, power up your fall fitness plan. When the busy holiday season shows up a few months from now, you'll stay right on track.
