Are you struggling to get back to the gym after the summer break? I struggling for years with just getting to the gym.

I’m sharing tips from the lessons I learned in the last year. I was finally able to consistently attend the gym and maintain a workout routine.

Getting Back to The Gym After Summer Break

Hello ladies!

I hope you had a wonderful summer with your families. I had an awesome summer with mine.

I’m holding on to summer for as long as I can. Even though summer break is over. It stills feel like summer here in Chicagoland.

Were you ready for the summer break to end? I have mixed feelings.

I shared a post at the beginning of the summer about my quest to try and keep my “Me Time” – while my kids were on summer break.

My “Me Time” is taking 60 minutes and going hard in the gym. Whether it’s a high-intensity interval training / HIIT or yoga class. I struggled for years with just showing up at the gym and working out consistently for a long period of time.

Boot Camp Trial

I bought a boot camp Groupon after my second daughter was born and I was able to start working out.

The classes were either 5:00 am or 7:00 pm in the winter! We lived in Northern, Virginia at the time. I’m an Island girl. Born and raised in warm Jamaica.

It was challenging to do the early morning class with getting myself and two young kids ready. Then drop them off to pre-school and daycare and then fighting the D.C. traffic to get to work.

So, I opted for the 7:00 pm class.

It was honestly heartbreaking to leave my newborn baby, toddler and husband after been away from them for almost 10 hours. But, I did it, because I wanted to start working on getting in shape.

I told myself this is for me and I needed to take care of me. So I can take care of everyone.

My heart breaks for me (back then) as I write this. You don’t even realize the struggle when you’re in it. Until you look back. Seriously, I have tears as I write this.

Working Mom With Newborn & Toddler – Trying to Workout

I rushed from work to pick up each child before 6:00 pm. Then rushed home to get dinner ready. Eating, maybe while nursing the baby or pumping. Then changing quickly to get to my boot camp. My husband would put on his brave supportive face while I left him to start the bedtime routine with the girls.

I would take my tired body and try to work out – all in the name of getting in shape.
What tha…

I was feeling some bit accomplished. I attended the boot camp class a few times per week.

Then, one extremely cold evening – this drill sergeant of an instructor made us go outside for class. I remember he had us sprinting and jumping over obstacles. He said, “run like your life depend on it”.

My chest burned so badly, and I felt like my weather-induced asthma was coming back. Weather-induced asthma is a real thing!!! Why do I want to laugh at myself???

Oh, I listened to him and ran my backside home and never went back.

I remember saying to myself – My baby is only going to be this little once. I didn’t want to miss more than I already did when I was away from her while I was at work. Working out can be done later.

My oldest was three years old and I felt like she grew up overnight. When people say, “It goes by fast” it’s an understatement.

I decided to enjoy my family and put working out, boot camp and the gym on hold.

That break lasted for over two years!

Second Trial with Boot Camp

My family and I relocated to the Chicagoland area in March 2017. I bought another Groupon Boot Camp in April 2017 for a two-month trial at a local yoga studio.

Life was different this time. My oldest was in kindergarten and my youngest was in pre-school part-time and I took on a new role as Stay at Home Mom. I went to the boot camp class four, five and sometimes six times a week.

I was taking advantage of the unlimited two-month Groupon to the fullest. The studio where the class was held had hot yoga and they extended the offer to attend the class for free.
So, I took the boot camp class and yoga a few times a week.

I was having fun pushing my body to do things it had never done before.

My Groupon ended right before the 2017 Summer Break. I took the summer off and that break lasted for four months until I stumbled into Orangetheory (OT) September 2017.

Third Time’s the Charm

I fell in love with Orangetheory in the first class. It was like the boot camp plus more.
You can see the list of reasons why I love Orangetheory here.
Check out this link if you want to learn more about OT.

I had to take a break from Orangetheory with our family’s Summer Schedule. However, I knew I had to maintain my momentum and consistency. If I wanted to stay on the path of my quest to get fit and healthy.

I have a lot of experience with putting working out and the gym on hold.
My history shows, that those breaks can last for months and years.

Consistency, Routine, and Flexibility. This is how I have been able to work out for one year.

Oh, my goodness! I didn’t even realize it’s one year! I started with Orangetheory in September 2017. I’m writing this post-September 2018.

Keep Your Eyes on Your Goal – Your “WHY”

My schedule is constantly changing. But, my goal of finding “Me Time” to get those few minutes in the day to go hard in the gym remains constant.

I had to be flexible this summer with all the activities and plans our family had.
I have also taken on a huge goal of becoming an entrepreneur. I’m working on creating my own business. #SelfEmployed #Entrepreneur #CareerMom

I had to put my beloved Orangetheory gym on hold for the summer. As my schedule did not allow. However, knowing my track record with putting working out on hold. I had to find somewhere that would allow me to work out and maintain our summer break schedule.

I received a pleasant surprise when I tried the YMCA and saw all that they have to offer.
You can read more about what surprised me about the YMCA here.

Tips To Help You Get To The Gym – During or After Summer Break

• Focus On Your Goal. Your Why.
• Talk To Your Partner/Spouse When You Feel Frustrated & Can’t Figure Out How To Make It Work. Together You Will Find Away.
• Be Flexible and Open-Minded.
• Maintain a Routine.
• Be Consistent.
• Practice Good Habits. Your Kids Are Watching.

FIRST DAY BACK TO THE GYM, ORANGE THEORY – After Summer Break

I started September off by going back to OT. As I drive to class I became excited and anxious. It was like I was going back to school as well!

I wondered if I would remember how to use the equipment, remember the OT language and perform at the level I did three months ago.

When I walked in and the front desk team said hello and confirmed that they signed me in. Mind you, my last class at OT was on May 23, 2018! They remembered me after more than three months of not attending! I was sure that they must have our pictures on their computers. And was able to match our names with our faces.

Ys, I had to ask and did. And, “no they do not have our pictures.” This was very impressive for me. It’s those little things that make a difference.

I had to concentrate to remember how to use the equipment and understand the OT language.

I was happy with my stats for my first workout at OT after over three months of not attending.

I know that I was able to maintain my momentum because I worked out consistently over the summer.

Going back to the gym after the summer was not as challenging, because I didn’t really leave.

I just changed my location.

If you’re like me. Once I break my routine and momentum it’s a downward spiral. The time will pass, and I will realize it’s weeks, months and even years and I haven’t gone to the gym or worked out.

Once we decide to become mothers, our worlds will turn upside down and all around.

I have been asking more experienced Career Moms for years, “How do you do it?” “How do you balance it all?” The CEO of my former company said, “depending on the season, somethings get more attention. My family try and have dinner together every evening.”

We Make Our Balance!
We Each Must Find Our Rhythm and Dance to Our Own Beat.

Think about the season you’re in. Think about what’s most important for you at this moment.

It was more important for me to be with my newborn baby, toddler, and husband in 2014 at such a critical time in our lives.

Now, that our lives are different I fight for my “Me Time”. I’m a better mom, wife, and HUMAN when I put that time in and go hard in the gym.

Take some time to analyze what season you’re in. What’s most important for you and your family.

BE CREATIVE Getting Your Workout Or Gym Time In

Working out doesn’t have to be in the “gym”. With technology, our options are limitless. Speak with your husband or support system and figure out some time that works for you.

And it’s okay if this is not the season for you to be away from your family.

Please share some of the creative ways you have been able to work out while being a mama and a career woman.

Give yourself Grace.

Best wishes as you work it out. Remember to enjoy the journey.

Does summer break affect your gym or work out routine?