Make it a fit fall

by Christopher B. Robrahn
Fitness Columnist

It has been a hot, busy and focused summer. Maybe you have been involved with work-related projects, maybe travel with school out or just involved with the family. Either way, I hope it’s been a good one.

I hope you started your summer fitness program with a prudent plan for success. Perhaps you have a great fitness routine and have been very successful this summer with making (and realizing) some great weight loss and exercise goals.   

Well, ready or not, we are about to change up to a busy fall, filled with school activities, cooler weather and shorter days. Are you ready? Are you going to keep your health and fitness goals a priority?

Autumn, or fall, is a season of change. Tree leaves turn beautiful colors and begin to drop, it gets darker earlier, and temperatures start to lower. It’s a favorite time of year for many people. However, the colder weather and impending holiday stress can cause some to fall off the fitness wagon.

For anyone who knows me, I’m a planner. I’m a financial advisor and investment planner. Planning for one’s future, both near and long-term, is important in my life and everything I do.   

Without planning, your life’s ship can hit a rock. Think about the upcoming changes in your schedule, time and attention and how it will all reasonably fit into your daily schedule. Assess the importance of exercise and how it would all work.

Far too many people go through the August shifts and lose their exercise, and maybe their sanity, with all the demands on time due to new obligations, back to school, preparing for the fall and winter months and more.

So, start focusing. Can you still give the time to the fitness routine you did during the summer? Are you comfortable with going to the gym after work or school or are you able to apply the time in the evening, especially if you have young children and family obligations?

Sometimes adaptations are helpful. Think about your goals, and time needed to achieve them and see if it fits. If it doesn’t don’t despair; change things up and give the time you practically can to your fitness plan.  

The worst thing you can do is get frustrated and tense because you can’t exercise. And be real. If you simply don’t have time for what you want to do, you simply don’t have time for what you want to do. But don’t give up. Even some reduced time in the gym or walking, any exercise or movement can really help in the weeks ahead.    

Be sure to remember your meditation time. Taking a few minutes in the middle of craziness will help keep you relaxed and focused.

Make it a fit fall, and a successful one.

Copyright The Gayly. 8/11/2018 @ 12:34 p.m.