Is Working Out Again the Last Thing You Want to Do? Our Tips for Getting and Staying Motivated

It can be easy to feel like your motivation has completely dried up. We all get this way. Far too often, you’ll be on a streak of sticking to your routine, and then something will come along, whether it be a cold, vacation, change in employment, or quite literally anything that breaks up your usual schedule. This change in routine is quite often the biggest offender in why we stop exercising. Trying to get back into that routine again can seem like fighting a losing battle. Here are some tips for making that transition back into exercising often just a little bit easier:

Get back into the swing of things slowly. You don’t have to workout 5-6 days a week right at the beginning. Find time one or two days a week at first and mark it on your calendar and stick to it. Gradually add more days. Also, don’t plan to set personal bests in your first few workouts back. Take it easy – if you don’t, your soreness could be your next excuse to skip a day. 

Make sure that your workout includes these three components. Speaking of soreness, it is essential that your workout includes a warmup, stretching, and a cool down. This will keep you healthy and mobile, meaning an injury won’t put you out of weeks of exercise again. 

Find a workout that you actually enjoy. The best exercise is one that you’ll look forward to. Whether that’s jumping rope, dancing, biking, yoga, or jogging (or walking!) to a new part of your neighborhood every day – something exciting will increase your chances of getting moving. 

Enlist an accountability buddy! Whether you are actually physically working out with them or not, having a friend in it with you can make it easier to get back on track. Plan your workouts together, check in to make sure they are sticking to that plan, and talk about your progress and challenges. This will give you a sense of community and make skipping a workout that much harder. 

Exercise at the same time each day. Set a reminder on your phone or find a free or cheap workout app that will prompt you to complete your exercises for that day. Having a set time makes it harder to put it off!

Try working out at home. Limiting distractions and barriers to working out can be a significant step in the right direction. If you can work out at home, going to the gym is no longer a barrier. This can free up many time and money barriers as well. Resistance bands can be a great way to get more out of your home workout – check out our store to find the perfect resistance bands for your needs!

Get some nice, new workout clothes. Investing in a new pair of yoga pants or sport leggings that you feel confident in, or some fresh sneakers that make you feel like you’re walking on air can be enough to get you back into motion.

Set a goal. Working towards something is easier than just working. We suggest making that goal task-based rather than a number on the scale. Want to run a 5k or do 30 pushups in a minute? These are great, buildable goals that don’t tie your fitness to weight alone.

We don’t have to tell you how great exercising is for both your mind and body. Knowing this, it still feels that sometimes working out after a long break is the last thing that you want to do. Ease back in and try some of the tips above to get your motivation flowing. Most of the time, all it takes is getting over that initial hump and making your first move. Shop Fitness Online is your source for all your exercise needs, whether you’re a seasoned veteran or just now getting back into the swing of things. 

Good luck and get moving, athletes!