Happy Tuesday! It’s time for another edition of Tuesday Topics.This week’s Tuesday Topic: how do you get back on the fitness wagon? You can write about this or any running related blog post. Remember to link-up with Kim and Zenaida and the bottom of this post!
It’s easy to fall off the fitness wagon, especially this year! Here are some tips on how to get back into a good fitness routine.
Mix it up
No one wants to do the same thing all the time. My workout routine revolves around running, cycling and strength training. If you prefer to stick to one form of exercise, you can still mix that up. For example, if you only run, try to focus on running different routes, doing shorter and longer runs and doing different types of runs such as intervals, hills or sprints. There’s always ways to make things interesting.
5 Minute Rule
I usually workout in the morning so of course sometimes I would rather sleep in, but I always end up getting up and getting dressed. Usually by then I’m in the mood to workout, but if not, I give myself the 5 minute rule. Basically this means I tell myself that I’ll stop the workout if I’m still not feeling it after 5 minutes. I would say that 95% of the time this never happens and I continue with my workout. Remember, there’s a difference between not wanting to workout and not bring able to workout.
Set Time Standards
You don’t need an hour every day to get in a good workout, so don’t let lack of time be an issue. You can get in a great workout in a shorter period of time, especially if you implement high intensity interval training (HIIT). I’ve been drenched in sweat after a 20 minute HIIT workout so it’s totally possible. Or, if you don’t have a large block of time, you can always split up your workouts. Try doing a 15-30 minute in the morning and the same in the evening. You have to make your workouts work for you and your schedule.
Overall, the best advice I can give is to start off small and really find the best schedule that works for you.
Tell me: How do you get back on the fitness wagon?
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You make such an important point with the short workouts!
I do 10-15 minute strength workouts every day. If I have more time, I add a few of them together. Like today I did 45 minutes, but yesterday I only did 10 minutes.
Most of the time, it’s possible to find 10 minutes in any given day. Have a great week, Kim!
That’s awesome that you do strength workouts daily!
Yes, I have done all of these 😉 I’m all about the short-but-effective workouts. Most of my workouts (other than running and biking) are 20-30 minutes. I think if you utilize those minutes well (like with HIIT), it’s just as effective (maybe more?) than an hour of routine reps (which usually have extended rest periods between them anyways).
the short but effective workouts are the best. Because I have more time in the mornings now, I can usually fit in an hour or more but I know that’s a luxury.
I haven’t started a fitness wagon yet lol. Can’t fall off that way.
Actually my fitness is walking and running. It is easy to not do either especially when it is cold out or dark out.
You have to make a routine and not skip it even if it is a short run or walk. And if you contact a friend you won’t.
It is easier that I work from home because I don’t have to pack a bag and can actually wear the right clothes (though I still don’t.)
Making a routine is key – for me it’s like scheduling an appointment that I don’t want to break.
I love that 5 minute rule. I think if I would do that about 95% of my planned workouts would happen too. I sometimes even schedule workouts to my phone if I think I might blow them off.
I like the idea of scheduling workouts in your phone. I may try that!
For me it’s all about how I feel. And not moving my body doesn’t feel good.
I think the other piece of advice I’d give is to find what works for YOU, and not give into FOMO. We’re all different, and luckily there’s enough different ways to keep moving that there’s plenty for everyone!
I usually do the 10 minutes, instead of 5 minutes, mainly because I feel you really can get a great workout in 10 minutes — but either should work.
I agree. Not doing some form of exercise always makes me feel sluggish.
Great tips! I like your 5-minute rule. Sometimes just getting up to workout is the hardest step!
Truly I think that sometimes just putting on the workout clothes is the hardest part!
I definitely like your 5 minute rule but so far I’ve managed to do all of my workouts. I do remember there was a time that I did want to stop but then something clicked and I kept going. Weird how our brain likes to play games with us.
Once things click it’s so easy to carry on with the workout!
You do a great job of varying your workouts. I totally agree that a good 10 or 20 min workout can do wonders and is totally worth it
Thanks! That’s why I really love HIIT – so quick and effective.