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Workout Reset
We've all been there: a busy schedule, a head cold, or life, in general – gets in the way of our routine, and suddenly it's been a few weeks (or a few months) since we've exercised.
When the dust settles and we're ready to get back in the saddle, it can be extremely intimidating, even when we have the best intentions. So, here's some advice to make getting out of an exercise rut less intimidating and doable.
First: Don't beat yourself up about falling into a rut in the first place. Seriously. Beating yourself up doesn't do you any good – it only makes you feel worse and less motivated. Sometimes, everybody falls into a rut, and everybody can get out of one.
Personal trainer and triathlon coach Chrissy Carroll, who blogs at Snacking in Sneakers, says it's essential to make your environment work for you when you want to start working out again.“We all know that if you leave work and realize you forgot your gym shoes, it makes it much harder to get your workout done,” she says. “At the beginning of the week, plan out when and where you'll do your workouts. Then the night before, make sure you've set out your clothes, packed a gym bag, etc.”
Celebrity trainer and owner of Lagree Fitness Studio in West Hollywood, Los Angeles, Dede Lagree, shares these five tips to get back into a fitness routine after a slump.
1. Build Your Community.
“Having a workout buddy or circle of friends who share similar goals creates accountability and support,” she says. “Habit builds momentum, and momentum builds success. So having a friend to meet is a great way to get out the door.”
2. Baby-Step Approach.
“When you're powering back up, it's best to start out small and gradually get back to where you were,” Lagree says. “Start simple by introducing small, positive changes into your daily routine. Don't try to get back in the game with one swing.”
3. Set Yourself Up For Success.
“Set realistic, achievable goals. Be sure to celebrate each success and goal as you achieve it. Don't overlook your progress.
Lagree says mileage markers are a fun way to note your progress, but don't focus just on the numbers. “Success also includes how we feel. So, what you say about you is more important than what a scale says.”
4. Get Crafty.
“What gets written, gets done,” says Lagree. “Make a motivation board or Pinterest page to visualize your goals. This will help you stay focused and inspired. Creating a collage of the place you want to visit, the clothes you want to wear, or the race you want to run will remind you why you want to get back in the game,” she says.
“Which brings me to my last point…”
5. Remember the Why.
“Remind yourself of what made you lace up your Nikes in the first place,” says Lagree. “When you remember the 'why', it will boost the motivation you need to push through barriers.”
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