Side note: Sorry if this post seems a bit preachy... It is manly written for myself about a bit of a fitness rut I have gotten myself into over the past week or two. Time to get it together!
As many of you may know I have been sick on an off for, pretty much, the entire month of February. During February I have also been massively kicking up my fitness routine but have run into a few set backs with it since getting sick. It is funny how quickly our outlooks can change. Two weeks ago the idea of a 6-mile run sounded like the bestest most invigorating thing ever. Now, thinking of running 2-miles has me wanting to hide under our bed.
I think most of us have been at this stage of the fitness game. Yes, it is super vital to get back on that proverbial horse. And yes, the only way to get to that fitness sweet spot is to try working again. But, what do we do when working out is scary, hard, and there are more mental road blocks on the way to our fitness goals than we can count? Here are the five things that tend to help me handle fitness set backs every time, no matter how scary that 2-mile jog may seem.
Acknowledge It
In order to get past something, we have to admit it first. All of us go through high points and low points in any part of our life. Sometimes, I feel like my day is filled with multiple highs and lows for one, single thing. When it comes to a fitness low, we have to admit that we are there and that it is ok. Because, it is ok.
Accept that we are not where we once were or where we want to be, then, decide to do something about it. Sure, getting started will be hard, but we can start slow. It is good to know that getting back into shape is harder than maintaining a healthy fitness. Thankfully, most people find that getting back in the game the second time around happens quicker and a bit more easily as well.
Get a Buddy
Of course, getting a buddy is the most no-brainer fitness tip that there is. Even the fittest fit divas out there find that workouts go better and results come faster when there is a friend involved. Sometimes, it may not even be a matter of working out with said friend everyday. One of the best things I have found to pick me back up when my attitude gets low is to have a core group of friends that I talk to often about workouts and fitness.
Honestly, this blog has been one of the biggest inspirations for me when working out gets tough. Having a friend or two that can relate to you and encourage you can seriously make all the difference in the world. If you are not working out yet, find a buddy who has been thinking of getting in shape and start on the road together. I am always super happy to be anyone's fitness pal if you are looking...
Set a Timed Goal
I hate, hate, hate timed things. In fact, I refuse to play Tetris because of the whole timing component. But, nothing gets me off the couch like a goal that must be accomplished by a certain date- even better if there are friends involved. Of course this goal could be something like, "get a six pack by May 1st for bikini season," but that is not a real deadline, it can bring body image stress, and is completely open to interpretation. Timed goals that work a little better for actually stating a fitness plan and getting fit would be to sign up for a local race with some friends or reserve your spot at a local yoga retreat. Both of these will keep you working towards something and take the pressure off getting that tiny tum or unattainably perfect legs.
Do Something New
One of the best ways for me to start back up on my fitness goals is to try a new class. New activities can be super fun and open us all up to a whole new workout world we never knew existed. It is also way easier to try something new after a long time of not working out since there is enough excitement to drown-out any fears or apprehensions.
Something that I started up without really realizing I had done it is to try a new(ish) fitness class every Sunday. I have found that this really gets my week started off on a high note and opens me up for new fitness experiences. This is how I tried Pure Barre, Power Yoga, new instructors, and all of my most recent long and fastest runs. This is seriously one of the best secrets I have yet found to keeping a consistent workout routine and feeling great about my week of workouts.
Buy Something New
No matter how much I do not feel like working out, when I get a new workout top or leggings, all I want to do is try them out. I am pretty sure that this is a scientifically proven way of getting out of any workout rut. This, proven, something new law works for things as big as new workout equipment or as small as a new hair band. Our curiosity for how it works and want to show/wear something new will win every time over our want to sleep, marathon a show, or all around laze around.
