I swear I’ve been trying to lose 5 pounds for the last 5 months, but with little motivation and being off of my usual gym hopping routine, I’m a bit out of practice.
Like many of you, I’m looking to dip my toe back into a healthy routine so I can get back to feeling stronger and more confident.
Raise your hand if you’re guilty of planning of saying “I’ll start next week!” or even next month? Every Monday is a reset for me, but by Wednesday I’m usually face-first down a pile of work and making excuses to put myself last.
Well, the bad news is that writing it on your list is the easy part. The hard part is actually getting off the couch and doing something.
When you haven’t exercised in a while, getting started is tough. Here are some tips to get you back into the fitness game:
1. Join a program
Going at it alone is a recipe for disaster (unless you are super self-motivated). I find that doing a program helps hold you accountable, and bonus points if you have a penalty for cancellations.
Programs like ClassPass can help you find classes that interest you even if you aren’t a fan of traditional fitness studios. I’ve gone dancing classes, yoga surfing classes, even a drumming class with weighted “ripsticks” There are so many creative options to sweat it out, and a lot of these studios are taking measures like reducing the number of class participants, doing temperature checks, and extra cleaning before, after, and even during class.
If studio life isn’t for you, then you can go about it with an online program that is available on Classpass too, and are often only a few credits. I love being able to take Barry’s class with an instructor from London in my living room in the middle of the day.
Related: FREE Online Workout Programs That You’ll Love
2. Set Realistic Goals
One of the biggest mistakes I made in my many failed attempts of completing a fitness program was picking unrealistic options. I likely can’t do the same thing 6 days a week for an hour at a time.
What I can do is 30 minutes for 3x a week and supplement that with other workouts like a HITT or Pilates. There are so many programs out there, do the research, and find something that suits your lifestyle. The best workout that you can do, is the one you *will* actually complete.
Prepare yourself for any lifestyle changes that need to happen for you to be successful. Do you need gym equipment? Get a membership or purchase equipment for your home.
Find a place to work out and a time that suits your schedule. Remember, everyone’s schedules are different so plans need to fit into your world – not the other way around.
Related: Why I Chose BBG Over Other Fitness Programs
3. Start Small
You know that feeling when you work out so hard; you need two days for your body to recover? That’s not the right way to dive into your fitness plan.
Start easy so you feel empowered and accomplished instead of burned out and overwhelmed. Always start your workouts with some cardio to get your heart rate up. You can walk for 30 seconds and jog for 30 seconds until you hit a mile or just follow a beginner’s plan online. The goal should be consistency, not quick results!
Whatever you decide to do, remember that slow and steady is truly the way to go. A rule of thumb is that it takes 1 month for you to notice changes, 2 months for your close friends and family, and 3 months for others – keep at it and stay committed.
Being healthy is a lifestyle (yes, I know that’s cheesy – but it’s the truth) and you’ll feel so accomplished when you work it into your life.