Back to School, Back to YOU: Why August is the Perfect Time to Reset Your Routine and Prioritize Your Health

As the school year kicks off, there's a buzz of new beginnings in the air—fresh backpacks, sharpened pencils, and the scent of possibility. While kids are heading back to the classroom, it's a great time for adults to take stock and reset too. Who says goal setting is only for New Year’s?

August offers the perfect opportunity to build new routines, especially when it comes to movement, exercise, and your overall health. With summer winding down and a return to structure on the horizon, it’s a natural moment to reevaluate your habits and make space for the things that support your long-term well-being.

Now’s the Time to Move—Here’s Why It Matters

If your workout routine fell by the wayside this summer (or never fully took root), don’t worry. You don’t need to be perfect—you just need to get started. And when it comes to movement, there are countless options: walking, strength training, Pilates, CrossFit, yoga, swimming, biking, or working 1-on-1 with a physical therapist or personal trainer.

The important thing? Find something you enjoy and can stick with, because your body thrives with regular, intentional movement.

Here’s what the science says:

💪 Muscle Mass Declines With Age—But You Can Fight It

Starting around age 30, we begin to lose 3% to 8% of muscle mass per decade, a rate that accelerates after age 60. This loss of muscle (known as sarcopenia) is linked to decreased strength, slower metabolism, poor balance, and higher risk of falls and injury.

The good news? Resistance training can slow, stop, and even reverse this loss.Studies show that adults who strength train 2–3 times per week can build or maintain muscle mass well into their 60s, 70s, and beyond.

🦴 Bone Density is Not Set in Stone

After age 40, bone density naturally declines, especially in women post-menopause due to hormonal changes. According to the National Osteoporosis Foundation, about 1 in 2 women and 1 in 4 men over age 50 will break a bone due to osteoporosis.

Weight-bearing and resistance exercises, such as squats, lunges, and impact activities, can increase or maintain bone density, particularly in the spine and hips. One study published in the Journal of Bone and Mineral Research found that progressive strength training increased bone density by 1–3% over 12 months in postmenopausal women—an important counter to age-related loss.

🚶‍♀️ Movement Reduces Fall Risk by Up to 40%

Falls are the leading cause of injury in older adults. But regular physical activity can dramatically reduce this risk. Exercise programs that include balance training, strength work, and aerobic activity can reduce the risk of falls by 23–40%, according to the CDC and a meta-analysis in the BMJ.

Better balance, stronger muscles, and improved coordination all contribute to safer, more confident movement.

💓 Cardiovascular & Metabolic Health Get a Boost Too

Regular physical activity:

• Lowers blood pressure

• Improves cholesterol

• Supports insulin sensitivity and metabolic health

• Reduces the risk of heart disease, stroke, and Type 2 diabetes

The American Heart Association recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity per week (e.g., brisk walking, cycling), plus 2 days of strength training.

Even small increases in activity—from 5-minute walks to stretching to stair climbing—add up.

So… What Now?

If you’re feeling inspired but unsure where to begin, start small:

• Schedule 2-3 strength training sessions per week

• Take a 10–15 minute walk after dinner

• Find a local gym, fitness class, or physical therapy clinic that aligns with your goals

• Set 1 health-related intention for the month of August

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Progress doesn’t need to be perfect to be powerful. What matters most is getting started.

Back to School, Back to YOU

As your kids jump into new routines, let this season be your own fresh start. Carve out space to care for your body, reset your habits, and realign with what truly matters: your long-term health, strength, and vitality.

Because new routines aren’t just for students—and your wellness doesn’t need to wait until January.

If you’re ready to take the first step but need a little guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out. Book a free discovery call or send a DM—I’m here to help you move forward with confidence.