IF FOUND, PLEASE RETURN — IMMEDIATELY.
We all get into slumps where even the thought of working out makes us cringe. Don’t get me wrong, a few days like this, every once in a while, are ok to have. But how to you get back into the routine of working out when it seems almost impossible to even put on your shoes?
Here’s a few ideas to help you get going again:
1. Set a goal – but just one - Setting too many goals can be overwhelming. Pick one goal you want to work toward and go with it.
2. Find some inspiration - Look in magazines, websites, or tv and find someone who has done, or is doing what you want to achieve. If possible, hang pictures up to look at. I know, we’ve all heard this and it sounds silly, but it’s tough to skip a workout when there’s
3. Commit – to anyone who will listen. Tell neighbors, co-workers or friends about your goals. You can even start a blog dedicated to posting your workouts. Give the link to anyone you can think of. You’ll be less likely to skip a workout if everyone you know will see it.
4. Start small – If you start small, you can’t be disappointed. You’ll have more achievements which will make you want to keep working for bigger and better goals.
5. Find support – It’s a lot easier to get to the gym if you know you don’t have to get home to watch the kids, make dinner, or do laundry. Talk to those around you and ask for help to make it easier for you to get and stay healthy.
6. Accept the bad days along with the good - Be willing to have a bad day. If you do, push through as best you can and look forward to tomorrows workout. It’s going to be better.
7. Think positively – There’s nothing you can’t do. Sounds cheesy, right? I know. But really working out is 90% mental. If you think you’re too tired to have a good sweat session, it’s probably not going to go that great. Be positive and excited to push your body.
8. Focus on the achievement – Don’t focus on what you can’t do, or haven’t done. Don’t look at the doughnut you just ate, or the pint of ice cream you ate last night. Look at the achievements you’ve had – the improvement you’ve made. Remember the good days and the good workouts you’ve had.
9. Reward yourself – Buy yourself a new running top, new workout pants, a new helmet, or take a spa day. Decide something you really want and make it a reward for reaching your goal.
10. Invest – Put money into classes, a gym membership, new workout clothes, etc. Once you have money invested in something it will be harder to skip the class or let the membership go to waste.
11. Do it for yourself – It’s harder to stay motivated if you’re not working out and eating healthy for you. It shouldn’t be for anyone but you. If you’re putting in all this work and making changes for someone else, it probably won’t last.
12. Log your success – It’s a lot easier to want to workout if you can see the improvement you are making. Write every workout down. Then, on days where you need a little extra push, look back and see how far you’ve come.
13. Visualize – Picture your goals, and you reaching them. If that doesn’t work, just visualize you being done with the workout and good and refreshed you feel after.
14. Put it off – no, not your workout! Use your workout as an excuse to put off doing the dishes, the laundry, or cleaning the bathroom until after your done. The key though, you do actually have to go workout.
15. Remember – You almost always feels better after a workout than before it.
16. Be realistic - Don’t expect an amazing workout every time you set foot in the gym. Accept a less than stellar workout and look forward to tomorrow.
17. Take a break – Give yourself a day off every once in a while. Working out and eating healthy shouldn’t be a chore or something you feel like have to do 24 hours a day. It’s ok to not workout one day or, heaven forbid, eat ice cream.
18. Sign up – Register for a race or competition. You’ll be more likely to train if you have something to work towards. If you don’t feel comfortable signing up for a competitive race, find one to benefit a cause – like Komen Race for the Cure. Or, check with your local hospital – many hospitals will do benefit runs for their research departments.