Here are my tips for picking an activity goal and sticking with it

Hey Athletes!

There is a nip in the air and the leaves are starting to fall again. I don’t know about you but I got sucked into the idea that perhaps for once, summer might last forever this year.

Where I live, it was hot… until it was not. Literally overnight!

The kids are going back to school, fall programs begin, and the riding season starts to wrap up.

These natural season changes are a great opportunity to build our routine. While dates may seem a bit arbitrary, big transition dates like this are shown to increase reflection and motivation for change.

I want to help you get the ball rolling here… lets get you moving while the perfect storm is brewing. I have come up with a few tips (or assignments if that word helps!) for you to start building an autumn routine that will set you up for continued motivation through the winter.

Lets make this a 4 week challenge. What is something you can commit to doing every day for 4 weeks? Here are my tips for picking an activity goal and sticking with it:

Think about something you are already doing 3-4 times a week but perhaps erratically. Can you make it a daily thing? Example: Maybe you eat a good breakfast on weekdays before work but go for fast food on the weekend. Can you adjust your weekend to better nourish yourself?

What is something you are already doing daily? Can you add intensity or another form of challenge? Example: Maybe you take the dog for a walk daily. Can you add in some short jog intervals? Or maybe increase the duration? Add more hills?

Can you attach a certain time or trigger point for it? Example: At the end of the workday, when you close your computer, can you take 5 minutes to unwind with a short walk or stretch break before moving onto your next activity?

Can you find a commitment partner? Example: You ask a friend to join you in a program and report back to each other at the end of the day. Why not make it a fun game too, assign each other a daily exercise. Get a little mean if you have to ;)

Use tools and resources already at your disposal. The FitRider membership already has 2 great 30 day programs that you can follow along with, or use the exercise demos to design your own. I recommend printing off a copy of the download as well so you can put a big satisfying X on every day you complete. Or if you aren’t a member, try our favourite stretch video for free.

-Sarah