As the school year begins, the shift in routines can turn your schedule upside down—drop-offs, pickups, sports practices, orientations, cooking, cleaning and more. It’s easy to let your fitness routine fall by the wayside amid the chaos.
However, this period of change is the perfect opportunity to reframe your approach to health and fitness.
Maintaining consistency during these hectic times is where true discipline and lasting habits are forged.
Here are 9 tips to help you stay on track as the school year starts:
1. Schedule Your Workouts:
Just like you schedule meetings or appointments, put your workouts on your calendar. Treat these sessions as non-negotiable and prioritize them to stay committed to your fitness goals.
2. Ditch the All-or-Nothing Attitude:
It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking that if you can’t do a full workout, it’s not worth doing anything at all. Instead, focus on making any amount of movement count. Consistent, smaller efforts are more effective than sporadic, intense sessions.
3. Be Realistic:
Don’t overload yourself—focus on what you can realistically accomplish and build on that.
4. Schedule a Goal Review with Your Coach:
Regular check-ins with your coach can help keep you on track. Schedule a goal review to reassess your objectives and adjust your plan as needed to ensure you stay focused and motivated. Use this time as an opportunity to reframe your approach and develop a plan that supports your busy life, rather than fighting against it.
5. Plan Ahead:
Pack your gym bag & set out workout clothes the night before to minimize morning rush. The less decisions you have to make on the spot, the more time you have to actually get things done!
6. Use a Meal Prep Service:
Buy some time by using a meal prep service. Having healthy, meals ready to go makes it easier to stick to your nutrition goals, even when your schedule is packed. It’s a simple way to ensure you’re fueling your body without the hassle of cooking every day.
7. Incorporate Activity into Daily Routines:
Find ways to add movement into your day outside of the gym. Walk or bike to school pickups! Take the stairs when you can!
8. Buddy Up:
Partner with a friend or family member for workouts. Having a workout buddy can provide motivation, accountability, and make exercising more enjoyable.
9. Don’t Cancel, Reschedule!
Life is unpredictable, and sometimes plans change. If you can’t make a scheduled session, reschedule it rather than skipping it altogether. Flexibility helps maintain consistency and keeps you progressing.
10. Practice Self-Compassion:
Fitness is a journey, and it’s important to acknowledge your efforts and keep moving forward, even if things don’t always go as planned.