Simple Tips to Restart Your Workout Routine
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Getting back into some sort of workout routine after a lengthy break, can be very difficult. I know this, because I’ve definitely been on a very, very extended break!
To me, the start of the school year is a perfect time to try and get back into an exercise routine. In case you need a little help getting back into the groove yourself, I’ve put together a little list to help you get started!
1. Put your workout clothes on!
I drop my kids off at school at about 7:25 each morning. I’ve found, that if I get dressed in my workout gear and shoes, I’m more likely to workout, even if it is a simple walk around the block…
2. Start out easy.
Start with something easy! Something that will leave you feeling good, a few times a week to help build the habit. I can’t tell you how many times I attempted to start a new routine, but ended up so sore, I just couldn’t make myself keep exercising. (and then lost my motivation…)
3. Find something you enjoy.
I know- everybody says this, but if you hate your workout, there’s no way you’ll keep it up! I’ve always loved bike riding. Before kids, my hubby and I traveled around Texas doing long distance cycling events. We loved these, but had to give them up once we had children. We just didn’t have a sitter or the $$ to pay one. We tried the pull behind carrier but that wasn’t successful. (Oh, that really brings back memories… My kids are very close in age and putting the two of them in that instep bike trailer was… well, you get the picture…)
I recently took my mountain bike in for a tune up and got it going again, I love riding it in the morning around the neighborhood. (Even just for 20 minutes.) We have lots of hills, so it’s definitely a work out!
4. Involve friends or family.
A workout partner or buddy will keep you motivated and definitely make it fun. That bike ride I mentioned above? So much better with another person. My young daughter loves to work out with me, I want to make sure to incorporate a few things we can do together. (She loves walking and workout videos.)
5. Use technology to make it fun.
There are so many apps and fun ways to incorporate technology in to your working out. From downloadable music playlists. To HIIT interval timers. (android version) (apple version) Never heard of HIIT? Read about it here.
There are apps to record your workouts and joinable groups and forums like Myfitnesspal or Fitocracy. Both of these have pc versions as well as mobile app versions. I use Myfitnesspal all the time to calculate the calories in my recipes.
And I’m sure you’ve seen friends on Facebook using the Map My Walk app. Love that app for measuring distance!
6. Try a quick workout online.
You can do almost anything online, including working out. Did you know there are over 10 million free fitness videos on YouTube?
Many of the new TV’s and DVD players will connect to the internet and YouTube or you can sync your laptop or mobile device to play on your TV. Our TV’s are a little older, so we use our Blueray/dvd players to connect to the internet.
Just search on fitness or the name of the YouTube channel, if you know it, to find what you want.
Some of my favorites are:
Befit: (they have workout videos from Jillian Michaels, Denise Austin, Billy Blanks and a ton of others, plus they have great playlists already made and you can just add them to your playlist.)
This is Jillian Michael’s 30 day abs routine. It’s older, so its not in HD, but it’s still great. (and free!)
FitnessBlender. (I like how they show the time and estimated calories burned on the screen.)
If you don’t have a lot of time, these online videos make it very easy to squeeze in a quick work out and studies show, you can burn more calories in less time with Interval Training.
7. Schedule it:
Sit down at your calendar, one night a week and schedule your workout times into your calendar for the week (or month).
8. Don’t forget to reward yourself!
Set a few easily attainable goals to get started. Start with something as simple as going for a walk Tuesday and Thursday. If you meet your goals, be sure to treat yourself to something, even if it’s just a quick trip to the coffee shop or a smoothie. Have you seen my list of smoothies for 150 calories or less?
9. Don’t skip meals!
Nothing makes me feel worse than skipping a meal and then over-eating later… Make sure to fuel up with a healthy breakfast. I personally love oatmeal with fresh fruit, nuts and Silk Vanilla Almond Milk.
Improving your diet can be as easy as slipping in an extra serving or two of fruit, veggies or nuts every day. Silk Almondmilk, Soymilk or Coconutmilk can be a great place to begin. To learn more about the health benefits of Plant protein, sign up for the Silk newsletter (you’ll get coupons and chances to win prizes) or join the Silk Facebook community.
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