Getting Back into 'Routine'
With new years, new months, new seasons and life curveballs, it can be difficult or feel overwhelming to get back to your 'usual routine' or your fitness journey. But, I am here to remind you that all your progress is not undone and you can do it!
Your fitness journey needs to be ideal for YOU. And if you taken a week or two off, it is not going to derail your progress, and may have even been beneficial for your mental and physical well-being. Or maybe you've had an unexpected health issue, or you are just trying to get started and keep going. Whatever it may be, here are my top tips on getting back into a fitness routine:
Focus on one habit at a time. Don’t overwhelm yourself by trying to go 100mph, do everything all at once and go 'all in' so to speak. Start where you are, within your current circumstances, with what you have, and at your current fitness level. Just focus on one or two habits at a time, like booking 1-2 workouts a week and drinking enough water. Or getting your steps in and checking off your scheduled sessions for the week. Then, as you gain more momentum and build habits around that, you can start to add others in.
Focus on what you are currently doing and acheiving. Instead of dwelling on everything you still want to do or where you "want to be," try and focus what you are currently capable of, what your body is currently doing for you and your daily wins. Small progress is still progress that is worth celebrating. Small wins each day add up to greatness. It's better to be consistency good then occasionally great. When we are consistent, that's where the magic take place. Shift your mindset to what you can do, rather than what you cannot.
Don’t overcompensate. Please don't try to over-restrict or do excessive amounts of exercise to ‘make up’ for what you may have "missed" or things you may have ate. This is not how our bodies operate and will cause you to feel deflated. Simply continue with your normal training sessions and continue to fuel and hydrate your body to perform well and feel your best.
Be realistic. Set yourself up for success by making fitness work into your life so that is become second nature. Plan your workouts at a time that works best for YOU. Be realistic about where you are at with your current fitness and what you are capable of then gradually build off of that. Set realistic expectations and don’t go too hard too soon, or you will risk injury. Remember, its you vs you. Don't compare your journey to someone else's. You are strong for you, you are capable for you, you are enough for you.
Get yourself some solid accountability. Whether it's getting a PT in person, finding a training partner, or joining a community. Studies show accountability increases your chances of hitting your goals, remaining consistent and remaining positive. When you shift your mindset and surround yourself with positive like-minded people, it can encourage healthy behaviors with long-term and lasting results.
Xox, MK
