Wow, summer flew by! And we are back to school. If you are like most parents with younger children, your workout regimen came to a halt when summer vacation started.

No worries! I bet you were active with your children doing all kinds of exciting things this past summer.

But now it’s time for you again. The best way to get back on your regular schedule is to pick up your schedule before school lets out. Whether it’s working out in the fitness center, pool or taking classes or having a personal trainer work with you, schedule your workouts at least one week ahead.

Of course, things can interfere but typically when you have something scheduled in your busy day you can get it done. Yes, even if it’s only 30 minutes it WILL make a difference.

After a break, it’s hard to get back in the swing of things. Sometimes having a summer home can get you out of your exercise rhythm, too. So whatever reason it was that you didn’t get a regular exercise routine in this summer, planning your workouts ahead gives you the highest chance to succeed in getting back to your routine (or starting a new one). If you were used to exercising five days a week and didn’t do anything this summer, start with three days a week. Before you know it you will be back to five days a week or more.

Classes make it easier for many to get back at it again. There is a start and finish and we don’t judge — we are always happy to have you back or attending for the first time!

For class schedules at our three YMCA locations, go to our website www.rowanymca.com and click the Y you want to attend. Then click Group Exercise schedule. It will give you all the classes, times and descriptions of the classes. Due to popular demand, I have added an evening Estelatte (Yoga moves, balance and stretches and core Ester’s way!) on Fridays from 6:05 p.m. until 7 p.m. — any level welcome!

So don’t worry if you got out of your routine. We will help you get back to the schedule you were used to or get you started with a new healthy lifestyle change!

Healthy body, happy life!

 

Ester Marsh is health and fitness director for the J.F. Hurley family YMCA.