September is the Ideal Time to Get Fit
If you have found it difficult to stick to a fitness routine amidst the chaos of summer festivities, don’t worry, September is here! Did you know that it is scientifically proven that September is the perfect time to reset your fitness routine, set new goals and reclaim your motivation?
To most people, the start of September signals the end of summer, the back-to-school rush, and longer, darker nights. With the change of season comes a change in our activity level, our mood and our will to workout.
The fitness industry has long touted the “September Boom,” and while it may be true that some folks have a bit more time to invest in fitness – you still can’t wait for it to happen. You need to make it happen! Here are a few important reasons why September is your month to do exactly that.
September Means the Return of Routine September is the perfect time to return to a routine. Now that the kids are back in school and vacation is in the rear-view mirror, our calendar allows us more time to schedule regular workouts without any interruptions. While the kids are in school, at practice or doing homework you can head over to the gym for a group fitness class, an hour of cardio or a quick HIIT (high intensity interval training) workout.
Remember, people are creatures of habit, and routines offer a way to promote health and wellness through structure and organization. Use the change in season as an opportunity to turn over a new leaf and improve your health.
Take Advantage of Ideal Temperatures
In the winter, the days can be so short and cold that you barely remember seeing any daylight. These conditions can easily drive you to choose couch time over crunch time.
In early fall, there are plenty of days left with good weather and lots of light. Make the most of it by getting outside as much as possible. Set aside some time after school or work to throw the ball around, or play a sport with friends or family.
You’re Getting into Good Habits Before the Holidays
Getting into good habits before the holiday season arrives sets us up for success! Having a routine and a schedule makes it easier to maintain our healthy habits when family gatherings and holiday parties fill our calendars.
The fall weather brings us greyer, rainier, colder days – which isn’t exactly motivating. December and January’s holiday celebrations make it even harder to stick to a new routine. We all move less, eat too much and sit around more than we’d like to admit. This makes it far too easy to skip a workout, put it off another day or just give up altogether.
You’re Getting Fit “Just in Case”
Sadly, COVID-19 hasn’t gone away. The change in weather also welcomes other undesirable viruses. As winter approaches, we’ll spend more time indoors. This means that we will be more susceptible to getting sick.
Developing a new fitness routine in September means you’ll have at least a few weeks, maybe months, to get in shape. If the winter sniffles kick-in, you’ll be healthier, stronger and have a better chance of fighting it off. In fact, there’s growing evidence that suggests good levels of general fitness can reduce the severity of the coronavirus and other viruses. It also may shorten our recovery time and could even help cope with the symptoms of long COVID, the chronic after-effects of the virus.
Exercise Improves Your Physical and Mental Health
Winter can be a tough season for many people. Exercise is undoubtedly an essential part of protecting our physical and mental health during the colder months. Physical activity has a huge potential to enhance our well-being. A growing body of research suggests that even a short 10-minute walk can improve our mental alertness, increase our energy and have a positive impact on our mood. Regular physical activity can also help improve our self-esteem, decrease the effects of stress on the body, and lower rates of mental illness. It can even enhance memory and cognition.
Regular physical activity releases chemicals called endorphins. These endorphins interact with the receptors in your brain and have been shown to reduce stress and your perception of pain. Endorphins also trigger a positive feeling in the body, similar to that of morphine. For example, the feeling that follows a run or workout is often described as “euphoric.” That feeling, known as a “runner’s high,” can be accompanied by a more positive and energizing outlook on life.
You have the Opportunity to Connect with Your Community
When school starts back up, many communities celebrate residents having more time for physical fitness. Creating a group or community of like-minded individuals with similar goals can most certainly help you stay motivated during the upcoming months. Being involved as a community supporter and promoting programs you are involved with and/or hear about to your friends or co-workers can definitely keep you inspired.
In Conclusion:
September is the perfect time to give your health and fitness goals an overhaul. It gives us the opportunity to take back some control of our health, set goals and create healthy routines that are focused on ourselves. It’s also a great time to reflect and think about what we want our lives and our “lifestyle” to look like. As an added bonus, you will avoid the public pressure of sticking to a New Year’s resolution.
Remember, starting “anywhere” is better than not starting at all. You matter and your health should too. Good luck to you.
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