Back to the Gym: 5 easy tips for getting back into a gym routine after summer.
September is like Autumn's version of the New Year's Resolution. It’s the second time during the year where our minds need a pep talk in order to get back into a routine. To work normal hours again. To get the kids back in the rhythm of school again. Oh, and to get back into a routine at the gym. Summer is the most difficult time of year to keep a workout routine going. The lake, beach, hiking, camping, fishing, beers on the patio at Gladstone’s, Road trips; We totally know what that’s like!
But now that it’s *cringes* back-to-school time and the days are getting colder and shorter, here are some helpful tips for how you can successfully get back into the after-summer workout groove!
Make a commitment
If you make a commitment to yourself (or out loud to family and friends) to go to the gym on a specific and regular schedule, for a specific amount of time, you take the pressure off yourself to decide daily if you should go. For example, commit to going for a workout 4 times a week for 1 month. Be vocal about it, tell everyone, add it into your calendar schedule and post it somewhere everyone can see it. You’ve now made your commitment and you’ve now made yourself accountable.
Grab a buddy
It’s always more fun to work out with a buddy! Having a social aspect to your workouts can definitely boost your commitment to hitting the gym. This is also a great way to surround yourself with friends that have healthy habits. There’s power in positive support!
Plan & Prepare
Schedule your workouts days, even weeks, in advance. Try to schedule your workouts during quiet times, not at a time when it could be easily pushed aside. Lay your gear out the night before and plan your meals ahead of time. Success is simple when you plan ahead. If you know your gym time is at 5pm, your gym bag is already in the car when you get off work, and dinner is in the slow cooker, life is easier! If you’re not a morning person, and are busy taking kids to hockey in the evening, a 30-minute workout during your lunch hour is always a great alternative! It can even act as the 2nd cup of coffee to keep you energized throughout the afternoon.
Make it fun!
If you don’t enjoying going to the gym, it’s going to be harder to get back on track. Do something you enjoy doing. There are so many different ways to move our bodies, and to have fun doing it! Join a challenge, ours is 21 days, 21 days to create healthy habits again. A great way to jumpstart your fall season. Don’t be afraid to try something new –you never know how much you might enjoy it!
Don’t get discouraged
When we’ve been away from the gym for a time, whether it’s a week or over a month, we aren’t usually at our strongest or fastest when we first get back at it. So be realistic with your expectations of yourself. Don’t beat yourself up if you’re not still where you hoped you’d be –it’ll come back with getting into a regular routine again.
So there you go, five simple ways to get back on track and create your fitness lifestyle again. And always remember to combine your workouts with healthy eating. Include lots of protein and veggies, and stay away from the processed foods. You won’t regret it!
