Trust me, ladies, we all know the feeling, life has gotten in the way again and your goals have been kicked to the curb. Whether it’s family, work commitments or if you’ve just let loose over the holiday season, it has made your exercise routine feel like a distant memory.
The thought of starting your routine up again can feel quite intimidating. No matter how hard it feels, you can get yourself back into it. If you find that you are someone that is feeling this way, we can certainly assure you that you’re not alone.
As stated in new research by the This Girl Can campaign and fitness app Strava, in a poll of over 2000 women, 35% of them admitted that they were on a break from their exercise routine. These lulls in their activity ranged anywhere from a month to several years with the average break being 13 months.
We’re not going to put you under any illusion that getting back into your exercise routine is going to be easy, because it’s not going to be. But, ladies, it sure will be worth it!
Let’s take a look into what you can do to help you get back into training.
Create yourself a schedule
I bet if you open the calendar on your phone right now, you can find 3 slots in your week to block out for working out. Go on, do it now! If it’s booked in, it stays at the front of your mind and you’re more likely to stay committed and go, rather than go about it spontaneously and likely not stick to it.
Get yourself ready
Now you’ve got some time in your week for exercise, don’t let anything get in the way of that. Get your bag packed, your gym gear out ready and set your alarm. Instead of keeping your alarm clock on the nightstand, put it on the opposite side of the room, so that when it goes off, you have to get up. Then, because you’re up, you’ll be more motivated to get dressed and head out ready to make the most of your workout.
Also Read: Are you too tired to exercise?
However, if you’re someone that tends to workout after work, do all the same preparation the night before so you can head straight there. Having your gym bag right next to you at your desk will also keep you motivated and remind you of what’s coming.
Focus on moving
We are usually more determined to do something if we’re good at it, but sadly we aren’t all professional athletes. It doesn’t matter if you’re a beginner or an Olympian, the aim is to get your body moving.
Start small and try the 5-minute rule
An hour-long workout can feel impossible when you’re trying to get back into the swing of things. This may make some of us procrastinate and avoid going to the gym altogether. However, instead of stopping before you’ve even started, just commit to five minutes.
If after five minutes of exercise you’re too tired to keep going, then stop. We usually find that once you start going, you feel better about committing to a longer workout. If you do find that you stop after five minutes, you’ve still started something and that needs to be recognized too.
Get outside
Now, ladies, we know that the gym isn’t for everyone, whether it be because of the types of workouts or the atmosphere. Some people prefer to be out in the fresh air and perhaps run in a park or play in a local sports team.
Being fit and healthy looks and feels different for different people, meaning we get our results in different ways. If you go to the gym and find that it doesn’t work for you, then don’t keep going. When you’re not enjoying what you’re doing, you’re more likely to give up.
Also Read: Strength training at home (or in the gym): The ultimate guide
It’s important to remember that a habit is created from consistent activity that we choose to spend time on. Meaning the more consistent you are with working out, the easier it’ll become part of your daily life and won’t seem like a chore.
Music to your ears
The music you listen to when working out makes a huge difference. Listening to something you enjoy can keep you pumped and motivated for the entirety of your workout. Perhaps make a playlist of all your favorite songs to get you going.
Get a workout buddy
It can feel so easy to just laze on the couch and not go to the gym; probably because there is no one to hold you accountable. Why not ask a family member, friend or work colleague to work out with you? It’ll add some fun to your exercise routine, you’ll feel more motivated to hit your goals and have a little support network.
Remember how good it makes you feel
Sometimes we think too much about the effort required to exercise more than the results we’ll get if we do. No matter how motivated you are, there will always be a time when you don’t want to exercise. However, how amazing does it feel when you push through that block and work out anyway? It feels great, doesn’t it?
Also Read: How to rediscover your workout motivation
So, even though you might wake up the next day feeling a little sore, you definitely won’t regret giving yourself that kick up the butt and getting it done.
You’re doing this for you
We all understand how tempting it can be to share your progress with friends and family on social media, especially for the encouraging comments and compliments. What’s important to remember is that the only person you’re doing this for is you! It’s your time, effort and dedication that is going into this, so if it’s not making you feel good, you may struggle to hit your goals.
Ready to get back to your goals?
Well, there it is, ladies. The tips above should be plenty to get you going and help you get back into your exercise routine.
If you do find that you need a little boost to get you going, there’s always Zotrim!
We’ve created a 100% natural formula that can help you hit those goals by boosting your energy levels, metabolism and your mood too!
Get yours today. You’ve got this!
