How to Get Back Into a Fitness Routine

Many people find themselves suddenly realizing that they have lost themselves. Life gets hectic, children are born and you become busy. One thing that suffers is your health and fitness, unfortunately. Making sure that you take care of yourself is an important part of taking care of those that you care about. Getting back into a fitness routine is one of the toughest tasks you might face and it may require a little work. There are several things that you can do to ease back into a fitness routine without feeling like you are climbing up a mountain.

Find Time

The first thing you want to consider is how much time you have to devote to a fitness routine. This will help you find a routine that fits your lifestyle and prevent you from failing by trying to cram a fitness routine where it simply won’t fit. Even if you are going to devote one hour every other day, you can be on your way to a fitness routine that will give you excellent results.

Find Motivating Choices

Remember that a fitness routine doesn’t have to mean weight lifting or riding an exercise bike. You might find that there are other forms of exercise that fit your needs and will be exciting for you at the same time. You might want to consider signing up for a fitness class where you can build relationships while you are working out. This is a good way to develop an accountability plan. It is often easier to go to class and work out if you know someone else might be looking for you. It is also easier if you are doing some exercise routines as a group and experiencing the ups and downs together.

Exercise for Stress Release

Many people find that using their workout time or fitness time as an escape and stress reliever is the best way to commit to doing it each day. Making your fitness outing a reward instead of making it something of a chore is the best way to get yourself into the routine of getting the job done. Look forward to your routine so that you can get the benefit while making sure that you don’t feel like you are punishing yourself for being out of shape.

Make Commitments

Another important part of getting back into a fitness routine is making sure that all of those around you, such as your children, your friends and your spouse, realize that you are going to be doing this. Mark it on your daily planner and on the calendar on your refrigerator. Write it in ink so that everyone knows you are unavailable during these times and this is not a time when you will work out if you have nothing else to do. It is an appointment that you are responsible to keep.

Reward Yourself Positively and Consistently

Rewarding yourself for every step you take, especially in the first 30 days, is vital to sticking with it and getting a routine going. The first week will be the most difficult and will be when you are making the workout a regular part of your routine. Take the time to appreciate every step forward you make, whether it is going through your fitness routine for another day or losing another pound. Every bit of progress forward is going to help build the momentum you need to stay strong.

Easing back into a workout routine is not an easy task, but you will be rewarded for the effort. Find the time, make the commitment and refuse to give up.