I am such a sucker for a start date. I hate to admit it, but I love a New Year’s resolution, a fresh start on a Monday and the start of a new school year.

It doesn’t matter how many years have passed since I was in a classroom, I still crave that new beginning that comes along with the autumn.

You might start strong in the spring, but most tend to allow their fitness regime to slip after Cup Match — one too many soca fetes or pancake-filled Sunday brunches.

Sometimes it is good to let it slip to realise how much you actually enjoy 30 minutes of torture given by your trainer. Now don’t get me wrong, you shouldn’t only work out during September and January and let your gym membership collect dust during the rest of the year but it is nice to feel that extra little push now and then to get back into a healthy regime.

How do you make the most of an autumn fitness reboot?

1, Reflect: 2016 is more than halfway over. Have you reached the goals you set for yourself in January? How have they changed? How do you want the rest of the year to look?

2, Prepare: How are you going to reach these goals? You will never accomplish these fitness goals without a plan.

3, Make time: Life gets in the way for everyone. This isn’t an excuse. We all work, have a social life and family commitments. Being “fit” isn’t something you can slip now and then into your schedule. It is a lifestyle. Start small, but realise that it will take a serious commitment to see change. You can do it, I promise!

Don’t let an autumn restart opportunity pass you by. Spend an afternoon creating a vision for your next few months that lead up to the New Year. If you need help creating a vision, contact me at Alchemy Fitness for a free fitness consultation!

• Cassandra Matcham is a Yoga Alliance-certified yoga instructor, studio and group fitness manager at Alchemy Fitness. She specialises in accountability and goal-setting to help clients reach their full potential. Follow Alchemy Fitness on Facebook: AlchemyFitnessBermuda or e-mail info@alchemy.bm