Getting Back to the Gym

You’re ready for this. Since its back to school time, you’ve been getting back into the swing of packing backpacks and getting the kids out the door. But, working out a routine isn’t just limited to the kids and school. It includes you too. And that routine? Well, it’s the return of your gym workout.

As summer ends and takes all of that outdoor physical activity with it, the gym makes its way back in. It’s back to the gym time. Now, did I mention that you’re ready for this? I thought so. I didn’t say that I’m ready for this. The words “me” or “we” were clearly left out of that sentence.

Stepping out of the front door and just being able to walk the neighborhood is one of my favorite workouts. But stepping out of my door in Buffalo, NY after September can get a little dicey or icey I should say. And little old “me” doesn’t like to be cold. So for me it’s better to ease into an indoor gym routine.

So what can “we” do to inspire us to get back into the gym? It turns out that our back to school plan for the kids is the same plan we can use to get ourselves back into the gym of things. First, set a date and time that you will start. (Note to self this date should have the current year in it.) Determine what days of the week you will be hitting the gym. Allow yourself time to ease into it.  Your first few weeks back may be staggered to a day or two and then increase as you go along.  It doesn't have to be all or nothing.

Pack your gym bag. When your bags are packed it cuts down on those internal excuses and makes it easy to head out the door. And last but not least put your swimsuit in your gym bag. That reminder that summer will be coming around again may be just the reminder that you or should I say “we” need to stick with the exercise program.