Restarting the exercise habit can be tricky, but essential—especially at the start of the New Year! Whether you’ve slacked on your workouts for the last few weeks, or it’s been a few months, this guide will get you back up and lunging again! Here’s how to do it.
Commit to a 30-day Workout
The hardest part about working out isn’t lunges, or burpees, or even grueling push-up after push-up. f you’ve been out of the workout routine for a while, the hardest part is changing your routine, and going from eating ice-cream on the couch to cycling in a class (or hitting the weight room if that’s your thing). Change is difficult because as humans, we are creatures of habit, and the longer you stay sedentary, the more difficult it becomes to move. So, instead of setting unrealistic goals like, “I’m going to lose 50 lbs. in six weeks,” give yourself the goal of doing something active, every day for thirty days. You’ll be amazed at the results.
Make Exercise Fun Again
While you’re committing to daily exercise for 30 days, why not make it fun? Switching the mindset of “Ugh, I have to work out and it’s going to be boring and painful,” to “I get to work out and get stronger and have more energy because of it,” requires a fun workout—and doing something that will allow you to enjoy the process of exercise. Whatever it is – lifting tires, rowing, dancing or doing yoga—do it with enthusiasm!
Bring in the Reinforcements
By reinforcements, we mean anything that will help you to enjoy exercise and keep your head in the game. If you have trouble motivating yourself to get to the gym, invite a friend (who is committed to health) to go with you. Put together a yoga lunch group for your co-workers, so that you can enjoy the comradery of a work-time workout! Look online for a runner’s or kayaking club (or whatever other activity you enjoy). There are meet-up groups for everything imaginable—you just need to find the right one for you. Do you love kick-boxing, or rowing? You can find like-minded individuals to share your passion, and help you reach your goals.
No matter how long it’s been since you’ve worked out, or what your fitness goals are, where there’s a will…there’s a way! To effectively change a habit, give yourself a consistent 30-day workout, enjoy the types of exercise you do, and bring in reinforcements when you need a motivational push!
