5 Ways to Jump Back on the Exercise Train

I’m an all or nothing kind of person.

Train for a half marathon? Sure, no problem. Train for a tri? Ok, that’s cool. Only do low impact exercise? Woah you lost me….

When I first hurt my knee, I was completely benched. No running, no biking, no yoga. As it’s gotten better, I can add things that don’t hurt- swimming, Pilates, weight training.

So why haven’t I? If I can’t do it all, I don’t do anything. But that’s not working any more- time to get back in the swing of things!

How to Get Back in the Exercise Habit

1. Find something that motivates you.

Want to be able to do 100 push-ups? Run a 5k? Feel confident on vacation?

Figure out what lights your fire & don’t forget it.

2. Put it on the books.

Schedule it. Decide when you’re going to exercise and jot it down on the calendar or on your daily to do list. Put it anywhere- as long as you’ll see it.

3. Try something new.

Not being up to par with your old abilities can be discouraging. Who says you have to stick with the same thing? Find a new class or activity to try like LA Boxing, air yoga, or pole dancing.

4. Enlist a friend.

You wouldn’t stand a friend up, right? Knowing they’re waiting for you can make all the difference to get you out the door, whether it’s for a walk, a iron pumping session, or a PiYo class.

5. Start small.

Nobody says you have to run a marathon. Go for a walk. Do a 20 minute ab video. Every bit counts.

What have you done to get back into exercising?

Tagged as: exercise, gym classes, scheduling