I don’t believe I am the only person who sees September as the beginning of a new year. I know that officially the new year starts January 1, but for me, September means a new start, plus new everything else — notebooks, pencils, crayons, etc, and as a kid, new shoes.
These days, the first fall month still signals a new beginning. While I am starting new projects on the work front, after a two-week stint volunteering at the Canada Summer Games, September also means I’m back at the gym regularly for training after summer holidays.
I’ve been missing the variety of activity I had built in over the years: the powerlifting was supplemented by trail walking, swimming and yoga. The pandemic shut down my walks, my swims and my yoga. Even after the pandemic abated, life kept intervening. The only thing left standing was my twice-weekly powerlifting sessions, and I’ve only missed those because of illness or vacations.
The great news is that the pool closest to me has re-opened after renovations. I’m also looking at the expansion of our local trail system near my house. I am hoping its new multi-use focus means it will be looked after in the winter allowing me to resume trail walking in earnest. I’m also keeping my fingers crossed that my favourite yoga teacher will offer classes again.
The result is I’m cleaning up my walking shoes, unpacking my swimsuit, and rolling out my yoga mat in anticipation. There’s no new gear to pat and delight in, unlike my early school years, but I’m excited nonethless.
What new things are you planning to undertake on the fitness fron this fall?