Tips to Get Back Into a Fitness Routine

I’ve always felt like September is the true start of the year, because that’s when school starts. After 12+ years of my own education and the years of my daughters in school (16 years and counting), September is a time of new beginnings. If you want to get back into a fitness routine, this is the perfect time to do it. 

September is Made for Routine

If you let exercise slide over the summer, know that you aren’t alone. That means that you’re also in good company as you get back into a fitness routine; I find that I set more goals in September than any other time of year. It may be because I’m more rested as summer comes to an end and I have the drive to get moving again, but it’s probably the pull of daily routine that inspires me. 

Yes, I said it – I feel inspired by routine. As much as I love unplanned beach days and vacations, there’s comfort in predictability. I hear clients say all the time that while they enjoyed their summer, they are craving their regular classes and routines. This is because your body loves habits. This makes the back to school and back to work days simpler… and it’s also easier to get your body moving again. 

Watch Out for Speed Bumps

Over time, I’ve learned that while I love to set goals in September and make all the Fall plans, I don’t find real momentum until the end of the month. School takes a while to get into full swing, and we’re adjusting to new schedules and earlier mornings. New activities and sports are also starting up, and it takes a bit to adjust to the new commitments and flow of the days. 

If you’re like me and made all the plans but haven’t quite got around to starting a fitness routine, it’s easy to lose motivation. So if you’re thinking “Ugh, but I haven’t even started yet!” maybe you need some support to get you going.

Get Back Into a Fitness Routine With a Challenge

There’s a lot of power in community, which is why I love events, workshops, and conferences to give me a kick in the butt. The people around you are motivated, there’s built in accountability, and it feels great to celebrate with others when you achieve your goal at the end. 

This past year I’ve run a few variations of Pilates bootcamps using the b.Pilates & Fitness app. You get support and motivation from me and the community, but do the work at home when it’s convenient for you. And by the time you finish the challenge, you feel strong and filled with the momentum of routine to carry you forward to your next goal. 

Get ready, because we’re doing it again! I can’t wait to see you and your friends participate in the next challenge. This time we’re doing both Pilates and strength workouts.  You’ll need a mat, a computer, smartphone or tablet to watch the videos, and some dumbbells and/or mini bands. As always, there will be prizes to win and lots of support to keep you on track, so stay tuned for details.

But before we get started, try and be kind to yourself in these first hectic weeks of September. Enjoy the last days of summer and settle into your work and school routines. In a few weeks, I’ll be here to help you get back into a fitness routine so you can b.Happy. b.Healthy. and b.Strong for the year ahead.