How to Get Back Into a Workout Routine After a Break
Are you in an exercise rut?
For busy women, sticking to a fitness routine is rarely easy. Illness, family commitments, vacations, and busy periods at work can quickly throw your workout routine off track.
After missing a few workouts, it becomes very difficult to get back into a routine. And after a long break, the idea of starting up again can feel incredibly daunting.
Check out the following tips from One Atomic Blonde to ease back into a workout routine so you can reap the benefits of regular exercise once again!
Remember How Good It Feels to Exercise
It can be hard to stay motivated by long-term goals. Whether you want to lose weight or build muscle, it can take a long time to see the results you want.
Thankfully, exercise also produces several immediate benefits which can serve as a better source of motivation. According to the CDC, some of these immediate health benefits include improved sleep quality and reduced anxiety.
Over the long term, regular exercise will promote the health of your brain, bones, and heart while reducing your risk of cancer and improving your mobility.
Hannah from One Atomic Blonde wears Alo Yoga and Bala Bangles. Gear: Vivienne Westwood yoga mat and Tangram jump rope
Invest In the Right Gear and Clothing
Treating yourself to new fitness gear can give you an initial motivation boost to keep up with your new fitness routine until it becomes a habit again.
Buy a grippy new workout mat or a set of weights. Invest in a fitness tracker. Get some comfortable workout clothes and shoes.
And don’t overlook the importance of a supportive workout bra! A soft, stretchy, and adjustable wireless bra will make your workouts much more comfortable. If you have a larger bust, it’s important to have a bra that offers plenty of support. So, look for brands that offer supportive bras for hard-to-fit sizes.
Try Different Types of Exercise
If you’re feeling bored with your regular workouts, trying something new can help you get out of that rut.
Have fun exploring a variety of exercises, following online videos or attending local classes.
Once you find a few new workouts you really like, be sure to vary them so you can keep your routine interesting and fun!
Here are some fun exercise ideas to add to your routine:
Hiking
Pilates
Roller skating
Kayaking
Rock climbing
Taking a dance class
Team sports
Martial arts
Aerial yoga
Set Short-Term Goals
While you work toward your long-term fitness goals, use short-term goals to measure your progress and keep yourself motivated.
The best fitness goals are those that you have complete control over.
Focus your goals on behavior rather than a result. For example, instead of setting a goal to lose eight pounds in a month, you might decide to work out at least three times per week. These goals are more easily attained and you can accomplish them whether or not your body decides to cooperate with your weight loss plans.
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Support Yourself With a Healthy Diet
Fueling your body with nutritious foods is one of the best things you can do to support your workout regimen.
A clean, balanced diet will keep your energy levels high and ward off slumps that may otherwise derail your workout plans.
Everyday Health suggests snacks like nuts, fatty fish, leafy greens, oatmeal, hummus, and Greek yogurt to keep your body and mind energized all day long. Smoothies packed with fruit, greens, and sources of protein make great pre- and post-workout snacks!
Stop Beating Yourself Up
If you beat yourself up when you miss a workout, you might be going too hard on yourself. Feeling guilty over a missed workout—or an entire lapse in your routine—is not going to help you get back on track. In fact, guilt can be debilitating enough that it destroys your motivation completely. Skip the negative self-talk and learn to be gentle with yourself.
Getting back into the fitness game after a break isn’t easy.
Whether you need to motivate yourself with some new fitness gear and athletic wear, try out new types of exercise, or adjust your diet, remember that the first step is always the hardest.
It just takes one day to restart your routine!
For more health and wellness inspiration, check out One Atomic Blonde!
