Getting motivated to workout can be hard! Trying to get back into a workout routine when you’ve taken a long break or are just getting started again can be even harder. About 6 or so years ago, I remember feeling in a rut. After getting tired of my own BS I decided to get active. I started with yoga, decided I’d give it at least 2 weeks and see how I felt. Sure, it may have been hard getting started but I began to love and crave this time I carved out for myself daily. Here are a few tips that helped me stay on track and get into it.
Start Slow
When first getting back into it, start doing 10-20 minutes max of working out at first. If all you have to give is 20 minutes then that’s okay. You can try to balance it out in other ways. The goal is to be active in order to feel better mentally and physically (MAKE the time!). If you’re like me even 20 minutes can seem daunting let alone 30-45minutes. So again, take it slow and don’t set yourself up for failure with long time-consuming workouts you won’t even want to start.
Be lenient with yourself
By this I mean, you don’t have to be so rigid in what you do. You don’t have to work out 30-45 minutes a day at the beginning. I got in this habit of feeling overwhelmed, but I was doing it to myself.
I kept thinking that if I didn’t work out in a certain way, or do it for a certain amount of time that it didn’t count. That’s just not true. 10 minutes-20 minutes is better than nothing. Half-assing a workout is better than no work out. Don’t be too hard on yourself, and DEFINITELY DO NOT COMPARE yourself to your past self (how you used to be able to do/be something) or anyone at that.
Don’t overcomplicate it!
You don’t have to have new leggings or the perfect workout outfit to do a workout. You don’t need a new mat or gym membership, or whatever other silly excuses are holding you back. There are plenty of free, no equipment workouts out there. If you’re reading this, it means you have internet ;), you can find free workouts! There are literally no excuses.
Set a timer
Commit to a specific time, and be done when the timer goes off. I try to commit to at least 20 minutes of movement daily. On days when it’s a real struggle, I’ll force myself to just set a 10 minute time and do at least that.
9 times out of 10, it gets the hardest part over with, and that’s getting started. And the other times, it’s okay to do just 10 minutes. It’s better than nothing. Baby steps my friend.
Use a productivity App
These are great for tracking how often you’ve completed a workout. I’ve used the Productive app. It’s great, it shows you that you’re on a streak and can send you notifications and reminders to do your workout.
Don’t quit too soon
Give it a full 2-3 weeks, usually by the 2nd week I finally have some sort of groove going and it feels easier. Usually around this time is when a habit starts to stick and you realize you might enjoy it and miss it when you skip it.
Follow a program
Cut out the guess work or the excuses. When it’s laid out and easy for you to follow, it will be easier to get up and do. I have been loving Chloe Ting’s workouts lately (free, easily accessible). I don’t always follow it to a tee, but it gives me a guide or my workout for the day without having to think about it.
Mix up your workouts
Try new workouts! This comes back to being flexible/lenient with yourself. You might find, that you absolutely love HIIT (High Intensity Interval Training) or running rather than yoga-
I’m the opposite 😉
But don’t be afraid to try out new styles of workouts. You might find you hate it so you stop working out. If I had to run or do HIIT everyday, I probably would NOT enjoy working out. Don’t force any particular type of workout on yourself if you absolutely loath doing it. Try different things. Of course my vote would be try Yoga if you haven’t already 🙂
Consistency
Of course you can take it slow when getting back into it, but I think what’s more important is being consistent. Do it daily, even if it’s only 10 minutes. Anyone can do 10-20 minutes if you ask me. If you think you can’t, then you are right, and you’ll do exactly what you think and you won’t. Which brings me to my next/ final point…
Mindset
Mindset is super important when it comes to motivating your self. If you think you don’t have time, you won’t make time. But when it comes down to it, what you tell your self is so important.
You can make time for it if you really want to.
Start telling yourself you have the time and you will make time for yourself, because you should be your first priority. You can’t show up for others if you aren’t taking care of yourself. When your negative thoughts start to creep in and talk you out of it, think of how proud you will be for pushing through and committing to just 10 minutes.
And when you don’t want to do it, do it anyways! Literally 10 minutes is all we are talking about starting with here. Waking up 10 minutes early, or instead of scrolling for 5 hours on instagram/facebook I think you can spare 10-20 minutes right 😉
Whatever you choose to do, you are reading this for a reason. Now go workout! I promise it will make you feel good 🙂
New to yoga? You may enjoy these posts:
How to Create and At Home Practice
15 Yoga Workouts 15 minutes or less
5 Reasons to Start Practicing Yoga
6 Things to Do Before Yoga Class
What to Expect in a Yoga Class
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