How To Get Back Into Exercise After A Break With 7 Small But Mighty Tips
Posted on 26 May, 2022
When your exercise routine has completely dropped off, getting back into it can feel intimidating. But you should know, you’re really, really not alone with this.
We’re not going to pretend that getting back into exercise is easy, but once you overcome those hurdles, it is worth it. Here are seven small tips and pieces of advice to get you started.
1. Focus on taking part – not performance
It doesn’t matter how good or bad you are at something – it’s the doing that counts. If you’re taking part in getting active, then that’s something to celebrate.
2. Start small
Start small. Try running, walking or cycling or dancing for five or 10 minutes and build up from there. It’s the movement that counts – not how far or fast you go. There’s no ‘right’ way to start exercising again after a break. Take your time and do what is right for you.
3. Nail your schedule
Open your calendar on your phone right now and block in a time for exercise. “When creating a workout routine, think about what suits you and your diary. Are you free on a Tuesday evening? Update your calendar and cut out some time for your all-important dose of exercise,” says May Beaufort, health and wellbeing coach at Westfield Health. “You may want to schedule your workout sessions during quiet hours, so that they are not pushed aside by other pressing tasks or everyday duties. For instance, lunch-hour exercising can be easily ‘disrupted’ by work commitments, forcing you to skip your workout slot for the day. Instead, early morning sessions or after-work programmes are less likely to be disrupted.”
4. Music matters
Next time you’re watching TV, make a playlist with your favourite songs and use that to help you get moving. Trust us, this one is so simple but effective.
5. Book your second session
Committing to your first workout is great. Committing to your second is better. “The key to getting back in shape is to simply keep going,” says Beaufort. “Try not to fall into the trap of taking long breaks between one exercise session and the next, as you will ultimately end up breaking the habit.”
6. Do it for yourself
Sharing your progress on social media is all well and good, but remember, you’re not in this for the likes. “Exercise for your own pleasure and motivation. In short, you shouldn’t take up workout sessions just to please and impress others,” says Beaufort. “Physical activity requires effort and dedication, and unless it is making you feel good and giving you energy, you may struggle to stick to your programme.”
7. Use your community to stay motivated
When you feel your motivation waning, you might need some friendly cheerleading. With the right personal trainer, you will have te perfect motivation to keep moving.