Consistency & Choice (October 2026)
October is one of my favorite months of the year.
The weather is cooler, the leaves are changing, and suddenly that early morning workout or evening trip to the gym doesn't seem quite as appealing.
The days are getting shorter, and before we know it, we'll be changing the clocks.
It's easy to be consistent when everything is working in your favor. The real test is what happens when it isn't.
And since Halloween is right around the corner, let's talk about something else that seems to give people trouble this time of year. Candy.
Consistency
The Days Are Getting Shorter. Your Workouts Don't Have To.
Let's face it. Getting out of bed when it's dark isn't nearly as appealing as it was in July.
And after a long day at work, when the sun is already setting, heading to the gym can feel like the last thing you want to do.
But here's the thing.
Your body doesn't know it's October. It knows whether you're moving, challenging your muscles, and giving it enough time to recover.
What does change is your energy, your schedule, and sometimes your motivation.
On November 1, we turn the clocks back an hour. That shift, combined with fewer hours of daylight, can throw off sleep schedules and leave some of us feeling sluggish.
So what do you do?
First, protect your sleep. Aim for 7–9 hours a night. Going to bed at a consistent time and getting some natural light in the morning can help keep your internal clock on track.
Second, look at your workout schedule. If getting to the gym at 6 p.m. is becoming a struggle, perhaps it's time to move that workout to the morning or lunchtime.
And finally, have a backup plan.
Maybe your usual hour becomes 30 minutes. Maybe you work out at home instead of driving to the gym.
The point is to make adjustments before you start skipping workouts altogether.
You don't need to wait until January to get yourself back on track.
The seasons change. Your schedule can change with them.
Just don't stop showing up.
Choice
It's Halloween. Have the Candy.
Every October, the same thing happens.
The Halloween candy starts appearing in stores, offices, and eventually in that big bowl by the front door.
And suddenly we're having conversations about being good, being bad, and how we're going to avoid eating any of it.
Really?
It's candy.
Here's what I want you to do differently this year.
Choose what you actually want.
If you love Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, have one. Sit down, enjoy it, and move on.
If you don't particularly like candy corn, don't eat it simply because it's sitting there.
That sounds obvious, but think about how often we eat something just because it's available.
Here's one practical strategy:
Don't eat directly from the candy bowl.
Pick a few pieces you genuinely enjoy. Put them on a plate. Sit down and eat them.
No standing in the kitchen grabbing one every time you walk by. No mindlessly unwrapping candy while you're answering emails.
Make it a choice rather than something you do without thinking.
And if you end up eating more than you planned?
So what?
You don't need to skip breakfast the next morning or add an extra hour of cardio.
Just go back to eating normally.
Halloween comes once a year. Enjoy the candy you love.leave the rest alone.
Everything is a choice. Make one you're happy with.
COMING SOON
Workout With Me — Wherever You Are
I've been working on something new.
Video workout classes are coming to Inspired! nutrition & fitness.
Whether you're working out at home, traveling, or simply can't make itmake it to the gym, I want to give you another way to keep moving.
And because you're reading Consistency & Choice, you'll get the opportunity to try the first class before anyone else.
More details coming soon. Stay tuned!
Final Thought
The seasons change. Schedules change. Life changes.
Your fitness and nutrition habits should be flexible enough to change with them.
Keep showing up. Make choices that work for you. And enjoy a little Halloween candy along the way.
Consistency is key. Everything is a choice.
— Laura