Did you ever decide to start working out and make it a part of your daily life? Did you do really well and then the next thing you knew you hadn’t worked out in 2 years? I know I have. The pandemic hit and I just went into survival mode as a mother of two. My kids were home for two years as we chose remote learning. We also had to move to another city for my husband’s work during that time.
I sit here two and a half years since the pandemic started and am 30 pounds heavier. I have started to slowly get back into working out and so far have lost 5lbs. So how do you get back into working out?
8 Tips to Get Back Into Working Out
Figure Out Why You Stopped Working Out
I already answered this in my intro post. But if we dig down deep into why I really stopped the answer is simply I made all the excuses. I mean really, I was stuck at home, I work out at home. Why could I not keep working out? I was tired, overwhelmed and stressed out. Exercise could have really helped with that.
Start Small
If you were a runner start with a 15-minute run. Build yourself back up that marathon peak you may have been at. Like me and love your weights? Dust off those 5lb weights and work your way back up to the heavier ones.
Set Simple, Realistic Goals
You may not get back to working out every day right away and that is okay. Start out with 3 times a week. That is my goal. As my endurance improves I can start doing the harder workouts again and get back to working out every day. It is ok to need rest days. Your body is in shock. Give it grace.
Focus on Consistency
No excuses. Set those small attainable goals and reach them. When you meet those goals you can set harder goals. When we reach those small attainable goals it motivates us to keep working out. If you only set big goals you will get discouraged and stop working out.
Don’t Compare Your Current Self to Your Old Self
The worst thing I did when I realized I needed to start working out again was compare myself to before. All it did was make me put off starting all over again even longer. You are not as fit as you were and that is OK. You will get back there with consistency.
Create an Accountability System
For me, it’s Instagram stories. I share in my stories when I am done working out and I found out it helps keep me accountable. When I stopped working out AGAIN I had people messaging me saying they missed my workout stories as they inspired them as well.
Celebrate Your Progress
This is why we are setting those small attainable goals. So that we can celebrate our progress. Also, consider keeping a journal and writing how you are feeling and what your struggles are. Look back in the journal and see how far you have come.
8Evaluate Your Routine and Adjust as Needed
Did you set a goal of 3 workouts a week and find you can not meet it yet? That is ok. Changes it to twice a week and add in a walk for that third one. Find yourself crushing those 3 days a week. Time to add in another day.
LET’S DO THIS! Comment below if you are going to utilize these tips and join me in making exercise a part of my life again.
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