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Dear Elizabeth,

I have been having a hard time with staying active. I created a really nice routine at the beginning of the semester by going to the IWC weekly, but I’ve fallen off track in a big way. Do you have any recommendations for maintaining a regular exercise routine as the year comes to a close?

Sincerely, Couch Potato

Dear Couch Potato,

Maintaining a regular exercise routine is important and sometimes difficult to do. It becomes easier to maintain the routine if you do it enough, and eventually it becomes a habit. Once it becomes a regular part of your schedule it is harder to leave it out of your day. I have also fallen off the wagon a bit and I have been trying to find ways to get back into my routine.

One way to get back into the game and enjoy this weather we’re having is to walk around the lake. Several trails encompass the lake, so you can get a great view of the water while exercising. There is also equipment by the lake that you can rent, such as canoes and kayaks. These are great ways to be active as well, especially if you like being around nature. If you are not a big fan of walking, you have the ability to rent bikes from campus.

If you were used to doing one activity, like going on the treadmill or the elliptical, then it may be a good idea to change up the routine. Instead of just going on the treadmill for an hour, maybe go on the bike for about 15 minutes and then do the treadmill for the rest of the hour. This will help you keep track of your time and it will help you get the most out of your time at the gym. If you still find yourself having a hard time staying active in the beginning of the fall semester, maybe joining an intramural sport will help you out. There are several different teams within Winona State University and it would also be a great way to get to know some new people. The teams usually meet weekly, so it would be a regular routine that would be easy to follow.

If you find yourself having a hard time getting to the gym everyday, maybe every other day will be a better option. If you have a calendar or a daily planner, it may be a good idea to write down your workout schedule. This can serve as a nice reminder and it will make your exercise routine a permanent part of your schedule.

The most important thing about maintaining a regular gym routine is making the effort to go out and go to the gym. Once you figure out when and what you want to do, keeping the routine is much easier. So, good luck and remember to stay hydrated!