Getting your groove back
Have you ever felt like you were in a workout funk - lacking motivation and feeling that with each passing day you are further removing yourself from where you once used to be? This is usually the hardest place to get out of because with each day that goes by you know it is going to be that much more difficult physically and mentally to get back into that routine. I often get asked how to get back into a fitness regime and the simple answer is hard work. There is no magic pill or program that is going to do the work for you.
If you have been following along with me for a while you will know I have been working through an injury for the past two years. I have now been working out more consistently a couple of months and really trying to get myself back to where I once was. How did I do it? To be honest with you, I have been inspired by my clients and their hard work. I ask them to do things that they don’t always believe they have the capacity to accomplish and they come out successful on the other side. I figured, why can’t I be the same!
For a long time I too struggled with getting back into training mode. I told myself all of the excuses - be extra careful with my injury, I need to rest because I am working, I have a busy week so I should not fill it more with an extra workout after work. But, it then got to a point where I recognized it was all in my head now and my body was healed enough that I could start testing the waters again. It has not been easy and I have definitely had setbacks along the way but these are the things that I focused on to get me back to where I want to be.
Use baby steps. Whether you are recovering from an injury, childbirth, or simply from being inactive, remember to pace yourself. Not all of your workouts have to be the most intense thing of your life when getting back into a routine. For myself, I have started with smaller 30 minute workouts to accommodate for time and to allow my body to adapt to the physical demands I am now placing on it. Even after a few weeks I have noticed that I can up the intensity in a way that is allowing me to feel successful, make my body feel good, and avoid re-injuring myself.
Make a plan. Since I have a physically demanding job I need to be strategic about when and what type of workouts I complete. I am a HUGE planner and so I have everything colour coordinated in my calendar. My workouts are in purple and I make sure that I am making the time to get them in.
Don’t dwell. What is in the past is behind you. Keep moving forward. If you have an off day or week just know that all it takes is that one workout to get you moving in a positive direction. It is all about balance. One “bad” day of meals or workout skipped doesn’t mean that all hard work is lost. It just means you are a human and have other priorities and commitments too!
Variety is the spice of life. Find what works for you! Mix your workouts up to keep things exciting. Lately I have been doing a combination of strength training, barre, Pilates, and running progressions for my own training. All of the modalities test me in different ways and are all super fun for me.
Just do it. This is easier said than done but just go for it! Nothing is going to happen if you don’t make it.
Life has its up and downs and just like we discussed last week with finding your work life rhythm, getting back into a workout routine is part of that. It is a self-care commitment. A time you set aside for yourself. Take note of how good you feel after you work out and use that as motivation to keep you coming back for more.
Yours self-discovery,
Rachel