- Find a gym or routine that makes it easy on you. For me, that meant flexible class times, a gym in close proximity to my home, pre-planned short and focused workouts, individual workout but surrounded by others, encouraging gym setting, control over speed and precision of workout. It took me experimenting with multiple different classes, types of workouts, etc to find something that really fit.
- Increase awareness of self. What makes you unique from everyone else? Reading the book Better than Before by Gretchen Rubin, was a game-changer for me. This book taught me to acknowledge my go-to habits that often extinguished my plan to exercise despite my desire to be more consistent. Now, I understand what personal traits limit my commitment to consistent exercise. I can recognize them despite the pretty little package I wrap them in. I understand them for what they are-and me for who I am. And doing so has made a significant impact on my ability to tackle and adopt habits I’ve been wanting to adopt for so long.
- Always have a backup plan. Be okay with that backup planning becoming your plan A. Once upon a time, my back up plan turned into my actual workout plan for 2 weeks. But, I was still doing something of value for my body and that is ultimately my goal.
- Change your perspective from “I’m working out to look better, to instead, “I am moving my body to connect with it”. Semantics right? Not entirely. When we set a goal of working out to look better, we quickly become frustrated when results don’t show up the day after we work out. I’m guilty of that too. I work out for a few days in a row, and then I find myself standing in front of the mirror trying to find changes. Sometimes I do find them, but it’s not from my body changing, but from a release of endorphins that improves your outlook.
- Cut yourself some slack. 3 months after having my second daughter, I was ready to return to running more regularly. I felt confident with my recovery to return to a more vigorous higher intensity workout, but I hated the way I felt when running. My body felt awkward and uncoordinated. And it was hot. So hot. I found myself dreading running, something that previously brought me so much clarity and peace. Instead of pushing forward with my plan, I cut myself some slack. Even though I could run a 5k, I signed up for a couch to 5k app that gave me permission to walk and recover, before running again. Within two workouts with the app, I was looking forward to moving again. If you find yourself in the same position, can you modify, change activities or add an element of excitement or relief?
- Have fun with it! Remember that exercise comes in many different forms! If running is miserable for you-try Zumba or ballroom dance or belly dancing! Invite a friend, make it social. Make it something you look forward to!
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