It can happen to the most dedicated fitness enthusiast. You’re in a groove and you’re hitting all of your workout goals, and suddenly you fall into a slump. You take a day off, and a day turns into a week. Before you know it you’ve gone a month (or more) without exercising and you’re starting to feel the effects. What do you do when you desperately want to get back to your fitness routine but you just don’t know how? We know how hard it can be to get back into the swing of a regular exercise routine, but it doesn’t have to be daunting. With the following tips you can easily get back into working out and have fun while doing it!
Take small steps
Don’t jump into a full regimen right from the start. Be realistic with your expectations. It’s unlikely that you’ll be running a 5K in a week, if you’ve spent the last 5 months on the couch. Start out with a goal of exercising for 30 minutes, 1-2 times a week, and slowly work your way up.
Set a goal
While we’re on the subject of a 5K, it’s a good idea to keep a goal in mind. Do you want to be able to do 50 pushups? Maybe you’d love to run a half marathon or compete in a mudrunner. If you have something concrete to aim for, you’ll have more motivation and more dedication to achieve your fitness goals!
Grab a Friend
Working out with a friend can make the process of getting back into the gym a lot less intimidating and a whole lot of fun! A friend can be a great support system and serve as an accountability partner! If you know you have a plan to meet a friend after work, or at a class on Saturday morning, you’ll be more likely to show up and stick to your commitment.
Try Something New
When you’re just getting back into working out, the last place you want to be is in a sweaty, testosterone filled gym. Hearing the incessant pounding on treadmills, grunts and weights slamming can turn into an absolute nightmare. Instead of heading to the gym, why not try out a new class like AKT, The Class By TT, or Barry’s Bootcamp.
Buy A New Outfit
If you look good, you feel good! A new outfit may not get you to run that extra mile, or get you to last 10 extra minutes on the stepmill, but it may just give you the confidence you need to get back into a solid routine. Just think of all the awesome, sweaty mirror selfies you’ll take post-workout!
Be Kind to Yourself
This may be the most important tip of all. It’s totally okay that you’re restarting a fitness routine, and it’s fine to go slow, and be easy on yourself. Be proud of yourself for getting back into it! You’re doing great!
