As we say goodbye to July and hello to August, it’s starting to sink in that summer will soon be coming to an end. Thus begins back to school season. Teachers are prepping classrooms, parents are purchasing new supplies, and students are grudgingly saying goodbye to late nights and sleeping in. It’s easy for this kind of sudden shift in schedule to get in the way of maintaining your workout routine. As San Jose personal trainers, we see it all the time. But the thing is, it will be much more difficult to come back once you’ve lost your rhythm, which is why we’ve put together these simple suggestions to help you stay on track.
Make Changes Now
Did you change the time you workout because you didn’t have to bring the kiddos to school or get yourself there? Don’t wait until the first day of school to set yourself straight. Start now. Your body and your mind need a few weeks to adjust to the changes at hand. Here’s what you can start doing right away to prepare yourself.
- Set your alarm for “school schedule” – Have it ring at the same time you would as if you were preparing for a normal school day.
- Attend your regular workout – Begin attending the time slot that best fits your in-school schedule
- Get more sleep – Sudden changes in schedule can sap your energy reserves and throw your body’s natural sleep schedule out of wack. Aim to get seven to eight hours of sleep each night in the weeks leading up to opening day. Make sure to maintain that level once school starts.
Schedule Your Workouts In Advance
At Method3 Fitness, our scheduling software allows our members to sign up for workouts up to two weeks ahead of time. By doing this, you can create a layer of accountability that helps you shift your mindset. In essence, registering for the class equals commitment. Once it’s on the books, you are more likely to stick to that dedicated time slot. Take advantage.
- Set time aside during the weekend to look over your schedule and see where you can fit your workouts in.
- Write down the days and times on your calendar (or enter them into your phone/online calendar).
- Take five minutes to register on your studio’s scheduling software.
- When the time comes…Show up.
Pro tip: On your wall calendar or in the notes section of your calendar reminder, write a motivational phrase that will pump you up when the day of your workout arrives. Something as simple as #NoExcuses or “You got this!” will do the trick.
Recruit a Friend
Everyone loves an accountability buddy. They provide the perfect nudge on days when motivation is lacking. And you have the opportunity to do the same for them! Here are a few ways to make the most out of your buddy experience.
- Include them in your planning session – register for the same classes or at least plan to attend sessions that begin at the same time. That way, you can check in with one another before and afterward.
- Send a text SOS – If it’s not possible to attend the same workout, ask your friend to be your sounding board. Text or call with a quick “Remind me why I thought it was a good idea to attend a 5:30am workout…” ???? He or she can shoot back with your goal or big why: “Because you want to set a good example for your family” or “Only 42 days left till our ladies’ weekend in Cabo…” Just make sure he or she is awake and ready at that time 😉
- Make quality time active – Do you usually do dinner and a movie on the weekends? Why not a hike or yoga class followed by a healthy brunch instead? That way, you hit two birds with one stone. PS – Don’t forget to schedule these in advance!
As you can see, back-to-school season doesn’t have to completely throw off your routine. With a little dedication, some advanced planning, and support from the people around you, you’ll be able to stay on track from day one. So don’t wait. Implement at least two of these tips right away.
Stronger for Today,
The Method3 Fitness Team
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The Method3 Fitness blog is updated weekly. All content is designed to improve the way you move, eat, and think so you can achieve your goals and live stronger for today. Check back here each week and LIKE our Fan Page, to stay up to date on the latest tips, strategies and methods to get fit, lose fat, and build confidence. Ready to get started with us? Click here to get a free week of workouts!