Fall Fitness

Lydia Cole

Just because summer is over doesn't mean the fun has to stop. Fall is a great time to keep up your energy and enthusiasm by starting something new- like a fitness goal.

Before you get started with your goals here are a few things to think about.

• Realistic- Realistic goals are much easier to achieve. If you don't like working out in a gym and dont like exercising alone it wouldnt be realistic to make your goal to work out at the gym 3 times a week. Instead, try something that fits your lifestyle. For example, if you like to play soccer or volleyball, make your goal to get together with friends or become part of a team so you can play soccer or volleyball 3-4 times a week.
• Routine- Whatever exercise you choose to do make it part of your weekly routine. If your goal is to walk, bike, or swim 3 times a week make sure you get it done. It's helpful to exercise at about the same time each day so it becomes a habit. That way you don't think too hard about whether you feel like exercising or not, you just do it. One way to establish a habit or routine might be to wake up 30 minutes earlier in the morning and walk, bike, or swim for 30 minutes 3-4 times a week. Or, you may prefer to sleep a little later in the morning and exercise when you get home from school. It might be a good way to unwind after a long day at school. If you enjoy exercising with a friend see if she can make this part of her routine too. 
• Rejoice- Fitness goals don't have to be a drag. When you learn to be your own cheerleader you may be surprised at how well you do and how much fun you have along the way. If you have not been a runner and your fitness goal this Fall is to run a 1 mile race, make sure you reward yourself every time you get out there and run. Usually, the hardest part of reaching your goal is getting started. So remember to reward yourself just for getting out there. 
• Revamp- Once you have reached your goal or not reached your goal take a second look at it and decide if you need to revise it. Maybe you want to set another goal that is a greater challenge or maybe you need to set a totally different goal. For example, if you have been struggling to exercise by yourself and it just isn't working out you probably need to shift your goal a little bit. You might enjoy signing up for a kickboxing class with a friend instead. Reaching your goal is great but regardless of the results, no need to feel like youve failed- instead look at it as a learning opportunity to discover what really works for you and keep trying.