While summer can be many people’s favorite time of year, some adjustment may be necessary as the summer months come to an end and you return to your normal routine. Many families find that the summer months derail their normal routines; it’s a time to enjoy the warm weather and build memories with loved ones.
But as the holidays come to an end, it can be a little disappointing to get back to your routines. Not only do you have to keep your work schedule in check, but you also have to think about other personal needs, like getting back on track with your fitness goals.
The truth is, fall is the perfect time of year to prioritize your fitness goals. Consider these strategies to adjust your mindset and set yourself up for success this fall:
A fresh start for your fitness goals
You probably let your eating and exercise habits slide a bit during the summer. It doesn’t matter if you enjoyed the barbecues too much or spent time by the pool instead of at the gym. It’s nice to take a break and enjoy different chapters in life.
As the seasons start to change, this is the perfect reminder that you can start fresh at any time. The best thing you can do is set the mindset of a fresh start for your fall season. Evaluate your personal habits, including diet and exercise routines, and find ways to integrate healthier habits into your daily routines.
With this fresh start, you should not only ditch the bad habits (like late-night snacking) but also look for ways to incorporate new, healthier habits into your routines.
Embrace the transition
As you refocus on your fitness goals, how can you embrace this transition and make it an enjoyable process? Build in rewards and make sure you create a routine that will be fun. If you look forward to your workouts, you’re much more likely to stay consistent with your fitness goals.
Instead of assuming you need to implement the same fitness routines before summer, consider whether there are other ways you want to exercise now. Honor the season in life and be creative in adding variety to your routine.
Other ways to keep it fun include finding a new fitness center, joining classes or trying a new activity. The novelty of the experience will keep you engaged and make it more enjoyable to keep moving through the fall and winter seasons.
Find friends to share your fitness goals
Exercise is much more fun when you spend time with friends or family. Do you know other people who want to reprioritize their fitness routines this time of year? Consider scheduling time to train together.
Or, if your friends don’t live in the same area, you can choose to become fitness accountability partners. Share your fitness goals with each other and track them at predetermined times to report progress and success.
Guidance on your fitness journey can be a great way to stay on track, no matter the time of year. Not only can you exercise together, but it’s also nice to have a buddy who also enjoys the same activities as you.
Give yourself something to look forward to
What is ‘why’ you want to improve your health? Knowing your why is essential to helping you stay on track with your fitness goals.
Maybe you can plan an upcoming winter beach vacation. If you know that in a few months you will be relaxing on the beach, it will be easier for you to make the right decision now. You want to feel confident in your swimsuit, and that confidence starts in the habits you implement now. The meals you prepare and the workouts you prioritize make a difference in the results you can achieve in the future.
Be realistic about your fitness goals
When setting these new fitness goals, be realistic about what you can achieve. While it may be fun to dream about a complete transformation before Thanksgiving, keep in mind that these changes take time. Overnight results are not realistic, especially if you want to achieve results that will last for many years.
Rather than aiming for an immediate change in your body by using intensive diet or exercise strategies, a better solution is to focus on the smaller habits you can change for long-lasting results. When you change your usual way of life, it is a way to make a transformation within yourself. This change in character naturally changes your habits so you don’t have to put as much “effort” into your fitness goals because they come naturally.
While it can be helpful to have specific fitness goals, such as a certain weight you want to reach or clothing sizes you want to wear, it’s more effective to focus on the results that will get you to this point. For example, if you keep your focus on the results you want while setting your fitness goals on the things that influence your daily decisions, you’re setting yourself up for success.
Examples of realistic fitness goals include exercising 4x per week for at least 30 minutes per session. Or eliminate desserts and sweet treats from your diet six days a week (with one cheat day each weekend).
Fitness facilities to support your goals
Are you looking for a community that supports your fitness goals? Joining a local gym can be a great way to meet friends who are working on their health and wellness. Join Fitness Nation and get access to quality equipment, trainers, classes and more. We’re here to give you the encouragement and support you need to stay on track with your fitness goals this fall and throughout the year.