Back-to-School: 3 Ways It Can Help You Get In Shape

School buses, backpacks, and new lunch boxes--these are the things that mark the end of long, lazy summer days, and a return to that more structured routine of waking up early, homework every night, and early bedtimes.

While many of us are busier in the fall with scheduled activities than we are in the summer months, there are ways to use the return of a more rigid routine to your advantage.

Here are 3 ways back-to-school can help you and your family be more fit and healthy

1. Early to bed, early to rise
Use your DVR to record your favorite TV shows, and then set yourself up with an earlier bedtime. Shorting yourself on sleep can lead to fatigue and stress in the short term, and diseases like diabetes and obesity in the long run.

And, since you're going to bed at an earlier hour, you'll have no problem resetting your alarm to wake up 30 minutes early--the perfect opportunity for a morning walk, run, or yoga session.

2. No more cooking on the fly
Summer means late days at the beach or pool, and impromptu BBQs with friends. But, with school setting the fall routine, it's a great time to get into the new habit of planning, and even cooking healthy meals ahead of time. Studies show that kids who eat regular family meals rely less on fast food, sodas, and make healthier choices when they're out with their friends. And, if you're eating with them, chances are you will too.

Here are some great ideas for fabulous and fit freezer meals.

3. Build fitness into your day
It's a convenient excuse, "my kids keep me so busy there's no time to workout." But, exercise doesn't stop being important just because your calendar is full. If you can't get to the gym or pull out a workout video, then work exercise into your routine. Walk or bike your kids to school, do laps while they do drills at soccer practice, or use some of that after-dinner time for a family bike ride.

One of my favorite pieces of advice is, start as you mean to go on. It's perfect for the beginning of the school year. It's a fresh slate, a great time to start new, healthier habits.

What's your favorite back-to-school fitness tip?