My summer holiday is a mere four days away and lets just say that I’m not as ready to don my bikini as I would like to be. My motivation to workout has taken a nosedive recently, I’m not sure why but it has and I’m keen to get my fitness mojo back. I have come to realise after many highs and lows that fitness is a lifelong journey and that although you may take some breaks in your schedule, be it weeks or months at a time, you can always start over and get into it again.
I was exercise averse for many years, I believed I wasn’t sporty, that I wasn’t good at it but after the birth of my third daughter I felt I had to make a change. In the ensuing years I have experienced the highs of running half marathons and the lows of not being able to find the motivation to even get out of bed. This year has been a bit of a mixed bag for me so far and after a month of inactivity I’m ready to get back in the fitness saddle so to speak.
Here are my 5 tips for getting back on track:
1. Get out there – Sometimes taking that first step back into something can be daunting. I find myself feeling afraid of running or hitting the gym after a period of absence but you just have to do it. Give yourself a pep talk, get up, go and follow through with your intention to get fitter!
2. Be kind to yourself – Don’t beat yourself ok? Making yourself feel worse about how little exercise you have done is completely counter productive. Take a deep breath and accept that it will take time to get back in the swing of things. Also and this is important, think of the time that you workout as ‘me time’. This is time invested in yourself and time when you can get some headspace away from your work, your kids if you have them and whatever else going on in your life.
3. Set yourself (realistic) goals – I would recommend setting yourself small goals and building up from there. Huge radical changes are usually unsustainable in the long term, even if you have been very fit in the past, it will take a while to get back there. Remember that finding the motivation to exercise regularly is challenging and like any other challenge you set yourself it’s very much mind over matter. Get yourself in a positive frame of mind and I would suggest starting with simply going to the gym and seeing how you get on, going for a run or whatever it is that helps you to keep fit and stay healthy. Just get out there and see how you go, you are likely to surprise yourself.
4. Find a workout buddy – some people like to workout alone and I count myself among those people but I can honestly say that my biggest sporting achievements have taken place when I had the company and some friendly competition from either my best friend or my husband.
5. Get some new kit – this is a bit frivolous and God knows I’ve been guilty of buying new kit only for it to languish at the bottom of the drawer BUT putting on some new threads can make you feel on top of your game. Treat yourself to a new top or a new pair of running tights I say! I lust after absolutely anything from Sweaty Betty but H&M have just launched a new sportswear line that looks quite promising.
I’d love to hear about your tips for staying fit and what motivates you to do so, drop me a line!
Antonia x
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I’m with you, my running shoes need a dust, life has been too crazy and I’ve let it get in the way. You’ve inspired me I must go for a much needed run this weekend. X
Oh that’s great! I’ve had a mixed week but managed to get myself moving for 3 out of 5 days, hoping I’ve turned a corner but with the kids off school and all… We’ve just got to keep at it. Happy summer holidays Helen! xxx