Back to School, Back to Fitness
How to Get Back into a Workout Routine
In many areas, it’s back-to-school time. For a lot of people, this means back to routines and schedules as well. That could mean getting back into the habit of working out. If you’ve spent the summer relaxing and your fitness schedule has slipped a bit, this is the perfect time to get back into a routine. Here are some tips:
Make a Schedule
Having a schedule won’t just remind you to exercise, but it will also motivate you. Think about the type of exercises you’d like to do, then make a schedule. Make sure it’s realistic and that it fits your lifestyle. If you have more time or energy in the evenings, for example, that’s a great time to schedule your exercise. If you’re a morning person, it could make sense to do your routine in the morning.
Set Goals & Reward Yourself
Think of some realistic goals you can set and make them specific. If you’d like to lose weight, for example, you might want to set a goal of losing ten pounds in the next four months. Or make your goal about achieving a certain number of pushups, a certain distance jogged, or any other specific goal.
Set up milestones along the way and give yourself small rewards for meeting them.
Start Slow
If you haven’t exercised in a while, it could be hard to get back into the routine. That’s totally understandable. You don’t need to immediately jump back in with the same intensity as before. Take your time and start slow. Not only will this help you stay motivated, but it will also help you avoid injury.
Consider Something Different
Sometimes the best way to get back into a workout routine is to mix it up. Try something different than what you did before your hiatus. Or switch up the scenery by exercising outside instead of in the gym, for example. You may even want to try virtual training!
Try to Make It Social
If you can safely add a social aspect to your workout routine, that can make the entire process more fun. Go for a jog or a hike with a friend, for instance. You can even use technology to share your workouts with your friends and compete against one another. This can really help you stay motivated.