Getting back into a fitness routine
Lots of tips in this post for when you want to get back into a fitness routine after life events shake up your consistency.
Hey, guys! How’s your morning going? P is home sick from school – she got a cold after a solid week of horrible sleep from failed sleep structure plans – so we’re taking it easy. I’m getting some work stuff done while she relaxes and watches a movie, and am in the middle of Valentine’s Day insanity over here. Liv has a lot of kids in the class this year, so if you need me, I’ll be under a pile of card stock and chocolate hearts.
I’m so excited that we started Home Workout Warrior LIVE this morning! It’s not too late to grab the workouts and meal plans here.
For today’s post, I thought we could chat a bit about getting back in the swing of workouts when somethings throws you off. For me, a couple of things that happened lately that shuffled the routine. P had the flu – I was able to catch a couple of quick Peloton workouts while she was napping but took the rest of the week off – and when we traveled to Florida and Valdosta to pick up the Pilot. I think I ended up taking 6 days or a whole week off? It was a while. It happened again this past week. Sine we’re trying to get our kiddos’ sleeping habits figured out, a lot of our days were spent taking turns napping instead of hitting the gym. I feel like during times like these, it can be really easy to let it fall out of a habit and slip down the priority ladder.
Most of you know my take on sustainable fitness goals. Keeping things fresh and fun is huge, but consistency is key (even if you just sneak in a quick workout at home). But what do you do when something happens that kicks you out of your routine? What if it’s more than just a couple days? Life has a habit of derailing our best laid fitness plans. Just about everyone has experienced an injury, had to buckle down for finals, or deal with another type of major life event that consumes virtually every free minute.
So, how do you rekindle that ol’ workout/healthy eating flame? It can be so tough, especially if you feel that you’ve lost progress that you worked for so long to achieve. What’s just one more day of not going to the gym, right?
Often times we focus too much on waiting until our lives are perfect to start an ideal fitness regiment. As much as I love the goal of consistency, I also feel like it can sometimes hinder us from hitting the gym. It feels almost pointless if you know your schedule will be thrown off in a couple of days by something else. As difficult as it can be to rest or skip a workout when needed, make sure to honor your body by allowing it to heal per your doctor’s advice, or knock out your test (or whatever huge event is happening!), and then just go to gym even if you’re not sure when you have the chance to go again. Take that first step to eat a meal that’ll give you a little more energy, and do it today.
Afterwards, you’ll instantly start to feel a little better about the stress in your life. Next time, maybe you take 30 minutes to knock out a quick workout video while your kiddo naps. The key is to show yourself grace and restart your routine the next chance you get. Even if you’re not able to stay extremely consistent, at least for that day, you got some endorphins and took time to take care of yourself.
It all starts with that one moment of motivation, and that spark always seems to come a little easier if you’re better rested, feeling more organized, and working towards a goal. I highly recommend using a planner to help break down your day, list out what you need to get done, and maybe save the next episode of your favorite Netflix show for tomorrow. <— It’s so hard to do this but you’ll thank yourself in the morning. If all that fails, maybe set aside little extra money for a new workout outfit. Sometimes nothing gets you going to the gym like some new gear. 😉
So, friends, what’re your favorite ways to fight back into a routine? I’d love to hear any of your tips in the comments!
xo
Gina
More:
Tips for motivation and willpower
Finding motivation after having a baby or taking a fitness break
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I had severe pain in my wrist (and zero mobility) which made my CrossFit workouts difficult at best. I have been almost pain free for about 6 months but getting back to consistent workouts has been more difficult. I have become the queen of excuses. So this month I have decided to bribe myself. If I get to CrossFit 15 times this month I get a new pair of shoes. 6 down, 9 more to go!
This could not have come at a better time for me! I was so excited to start the Home Workout Warrior workouts today! My toddler had a pretty rough morning and I ended up missing my opportunity to work out. I was already telling myself I could just start tomorrow, but honestly I still have the entire day to squeeze a workout in. Thanks for reminding me to keep pushing and not make excuses 🙂
New workout clothes always give me that extra boost to get a workout in. I just recently started paying for a gym membership too, instead of just doing at-home workouts. I think that’s really helped me stay motivated so I don’t feel like I’m throwing money away.
Side note: Would you consider doing a post on sleep schedules and sleep routines with your kiddos once you have it all sorted?
Just wanted to comment that I loved today’s HWW workout! When I looked at it I thought “oh this doesn’t look too bad” but wow I was toast after three rounds and drenched in the best way possible lol thanks Gina!
I struggle with this. In fact, im struggling right now. The only thing i find that works is to rip the bandaid and get on track. Maybe tomorrow.
Start with a walk – fresh air, sunshine (I live in Singapore so it’s year round summer here) a podcast. We had 2 weeks of skiing in Austria with our 4 daughters in the Christmas holidays & we all had post holiday blues (& severe jet lag from a 13 hour flight!) when we got back. But getting up & going for a walk always refreshes me & helps me get back into routine.
During winter break into the new year I was doing so great & felt awesome. A solid month went by (habit formed, yay!) I heard my hamstring pop during yoga & it’s taken a month to recover. Boo. I’m trying to walk, do gentle yoga & arm work but I definitely lost momentum. We’ve gone through kiddo illness then me then a quick trip then lots of snow. So, I’m working on home workouts & cleaning up eats & trying not to be too hard on myself. Thanks for the post!
Yeah it’s easy to let life get in the way of working out.
Sometimes you just have to say, “Today is the day,” and just do it. You’re right that consistency is great but not to beat yourself up if there are slips here and there.