With all the stresses and responsibilities that we have to deal with in and outside of work, it is normal for life to get in the way and knock you off track. When these commitments get in the way, it can make your exercise regime irregular and, in some cases, non-existent. It is okay to put your workout regime aside at times because, at the end of the day, we need to ensure we prioritise the right things.
However, once these commitments have subsided, then you should do what you can to get back into it. Exercise does wonders for our mental health as well as our physical health, so it should be a part of your weekly routine to keep you healthy and happy. If you have gone through a bit of a slump and want to get back into your workout routine, then here are 6 tips that can help.
Start with Something Easy
If you find it really difficult and get easily overwhelmed when getting back into exercising, then you should start off with something easy. This could be anything from using lighter weights to going on a brisk power walk at the start or end of your day. Just getting yourself up and moving for a few minutes each day will provide you with the motivation you need to continue exercising.
Get into a Routine
There are a number of benefits for when you get yourself into a routine, but it can be difficult to get into to start off with. However, once you get yourself into that routine, it will do you the world of good. You should schedule your sleep, diet and exercise regime around your daily activities, such as work and family commitments.
Make Sure You Sleep
Sleeping enough and making sure that sleep is of good quality is vital when you start exercising. When you sleep, your body will be able to recover properly and repair itself physically and mentally. If you find yourself tired even after a good few hours of rest, it may be that you have poor sleeping habits, such as breathing through your mouth. Mouth breathing can cause fatigue as you are not receiving the oxygen your body needs. If you can relate to this, consider investing in mouth strips to get a solid night’s sleep.
Remember How You Feel
Sometimes we put too much time and energy into the effort of getting back into a workout regime rather than its outcome. When you haven’t worked out in a while and you complete that first gym session, you will definitely feel great and this feeling will continue to flood you each and every time you exercise. This is because happy chemicals are released when you exercise.
Prepare Your Gym Bag
Preparing your gym bag and getting new gym clothes will motivate you to actually get up and go there. If you struggle to get up early, then having your bag packed will save you time in the morning and will motivate you more to go. If you have a bag packed and take it to work with you, then you can go once your shift has finished, because many people go home beforehand and won’t want to head back out.
Get an Exercise Buddy
Having someone to go with you to the gym will motivate you to go more. This person will need to have motivation themselves and will have to encourage you as much as you encourage them. Going with someone who knows the gym well and can help you achieve your goals through a planned-out exercise regime is an extremely effective way to get back into a workout regime.
The first gym session is always the hardest when your workout regime has slumped, but once you get through this, things will get easier. Exercise has the power to make you feel great in so many ways, so you should do everything you can to make it part of your daily routine.