If you’re looking for validation that it’s okay to slip up on your workout sometimes, this is it. You wouldn’t be the first one to slack off on fitness. Everyone finds themselves there once in a while, especially around the holiday season or after an indulgent vacation.
The important thing is that you’re set to start again. Lets get going and get you back to where you want to be in your fitness! Follow these 10 tips to get your workouts back on track.
10 Tips to Get Your Fitness Back on Track
Invest in appropriate workout clothes
You’ve probably heard of the wonders fashion does to uplift your mood. Though less flashy, workout clothes have the same effect. Invest in clothes like matching sets to get you in the zone.
The right workout shoes are vital, as you’ll be moving around a lot, and old worn out shoes can cause long-term injuries. For females, choosing the right sports bra is crucial to have a good workout experience. Make sure to get one that’s right for your body and provides ample amount of support.
Take it slowly
When you get back into fitness, it’s highly likely that your body won’t be in the same state as before. Prepare yourself for the frustration of not being able to do what was already easy for you right before you stopped. Start with what you can do and ease your body back into the grind until you get there again and then surpass it. Soon enough, you will start to see the results you want.
Set realistic fitness goals
Patience goes hand in hand with setting realistic goals. Expecting to achieve difficult exercises or moves right away such as bench presses or any strength workout on a bench might only put you back into a slump. It’s okay to be ambitious about your goals but make them attainable by doing a beginner’s workout and by setting a deadline. This way you’ll feel good about achieving them and will be more motivated to do more.
Make time for exercise
“I don’t have time.” That’s the most common excuse almost every person who wants to get into fitness says. If you’re one of those people, the first thing is to recognize it for what it is: an excuse. You’ve most likely heard of the saying that “people make time for who they want to make time for.” Replace “who” with “what” and it can be applied to everything. Don’t wait for time to free up to start working out. Instead, make time for it.
On the other hand, if you have a very hectic schedule, and going to the gym might not be the most practical option, consider a quick kettlebell workout at least once per day balanced with a healthy diet and nutritional supplements.
We’ve put together a comprehensive review where we found the top adjustable kettlebell on the market.
Make a habit out of it
Thinking of it as something you have to do may distract you from your purpose. Form a deeper why as to your intentions for getting back into fitness. From there, follow through with your plan without thinking too hard about it. Over time, it will be easier to do as part of your routine.
Do something new
Many people would say they don’t like working out because it bores them. To that, there’s only one answer:
“If it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you.”
– Fred Devito
Add some variation to your workout routine. Increase the difficulty level, incorporate weights, use a kettlebell and a dumbbell alternately, or try something completely new, but don’t allow yourself to be bored of it. You can get new exercise ideas by watching workout DVDs or using iPhone apps.
Work out with a partner
There are so many benefits to having a fitness partner. One of the most important ones is accountability. It’s easy to be defeated by laziness or your own self-doubt. When you have a partner, you’ll feel the pressure of not pushing through with it. It’ll be easier to pick up those pair of dumbbells at the gym to tone your muscles. It also helps to keep at it during those crucial moments of a certain workout when you want to relax but have 10 more seconds to the count. It’s going to feel like you’re sharing the struggle.
Develop a healthy lifestyle
You can work out all you want but it will be hard to maintain if the rest of your life don’t align with the fitness goals you have. Keeping a routine with self-care and your diet will boost your motivation to promote health in all aspects of your life.
Fit in fitness into your daily life
Take the stairs or walk to your next destination instead of taking a five-minute bus ride. Whatever you do in your daily life, think of alternatives that could help in your fitness journey. Then, choose that over the more convenient method.
If you dread having to drag yourself to the gym, we’ve got some home gym ideas for you!
Eat and rest well
Proper eating and sleeping habits are just as significant to your fitness as your workout routine is. When you exercise, you use up energy and strain your muscles. Eating well and resting simultaneously give your muscles time to rejuvenate and fill your body up with renewed energy. This way, you can keep your routine without injuring yourself or disrupting your other responsibilities.
Conclusion
Getting back into your fitness journey is not only about motivation. It takes multiple factors from your clothes to your intentions and your actual behavior to get a routine going. It’s normal to fall back sometimes but returning back to it is one step forward. Keep these notes in mind to make the transition easier for your body and mindset.
