How to Get Back Into Working Out If You’ve Hit a Rut
Have you been too preoccupied to go to the gym? Just haven’t felt motivated to work out? It happens to everyone, and it can be very hard to get back on track. If you’ve hit a rut, check out these ways to get back into your workout routine.
Self-Encouragement
It’s important to remember that for whatever reason you are exercising, you’re doing it for yourself and no one else. If you want to get back into working out, do it because you want to, not because you’re influenced by something or someone else.
Make a Schedule
Create a schedule on paper or with a calendar and fill in all of your everyday activities. Include all of your classes, work times, breakfast, lunch, and dinner times, extracurriculars, and even study times. Then, look for the area where you are the least busy and see if a workout session fits there. Physically seeing what you have to do and when is a better way to help you manage your day and keep your workout routine on track.
Start Easy
Don’t jump back into your workout doing the same routine you ended with. If you’re working with weights, don’t life as heavy. If you’re using the treadmill, don’t run as long. Start out easy to help your body get back into the rhythm of things. You don’t want to put too much stress on your body all at once. You’ll need to work back up to where you left off.
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Find a Workout Partner
Working out is always better when you have a friend there. Sometimes it can be boring to go alone, so find a buddy who is just as motivated as you. Having someone else there is fun and makes the time go by much faster. A workout buddy is also helpful during the days when you just aren’t into it. If you work out alone and decide to take a day off, that day can turn into a long time. But a dedicated buddy will hold you accountable.
Create a Playlist
Everyone enjoys some hype music to get them in the mood to exercise. If you like to zone everything out in the gym with your headphones on, then create a playlist of your favorite songs to amp you up.
Make the Time Shorter
Getting back into working out is easier when you don’t spend as much time doing it, especially your first few times back in the game. Remember, every workout session counts no matter how long it is. Set a certain amount of time you want to work out for the first few days, then increase the time if you want. If you only ever want to work out for thirty minutes or even fifteen minutes, then that’s great too.
Be Creative
Don’t think about the gym as your only exercise setting. You can work out during just about any daily routine that you find enjoyable. For example, walking, jogging, playing sports, or joining a club where you are always active. There are usually opportunities to work a little extra burn into your existing routine.