5 Tips for Getting Back into Your Fitness Routine

If you're trying to get back into a fitness routine after a period of inactivity, it can be intimidating and overwhelming.

Here's how my client Emma overcame the Covid lockdowns and got back into exercising...

"One of the biggest challenges I faced when trying to get back into a fitness routine was finding an activity I enjoyed.

I had always hated running, so I knew that wasn't an option.

I decided to try a few different types of exercise, including swimming, dancing, and yoga, to see what I liked best.

Eventually, I found that I really enjoyed weightlifting and started practicing it regularly.

In addition to finding an activity I enjoyed, I made a schedule and stuck to it.

Exercising first thing in the morning was the best option for me because it helped set the tone for the rest of my day.

I also made sure to schedule my workouts around my other commitments and responsibilities, so I wouldn't have excuses not to exercise.

Finally, I found a workout buddy who was also trying to get back into a fitness routine.

We would meet twice a week to train together, which was a great way to stay motivated and accountable.

We even started a group chat to share workout ideas and motivate each other to stay on track.

It wasn't easy getting back into a fitness routine, but with some planning and perseverance, I developed a healthy, sustainable routine that helped me feel my best.

I can now stick to my fitness routine and have noticed a significant improvement in my physical and mental health.

It shows that with a little effort and the right mindset, you can achieve your fitness goals and make a positive change in your life."

Here are 5 tips to help you get started:

Set specific and achievable goals for yourself.

It's important to have a clear idea of what you want to achieve with your fitness routine.

Whether it's to lose weight, gain muscle, or improve your overall health, having specific goals in mind will help you stay motivated and on track.

Write down your goals and keep them somewhere visible as a reminder of what you're working towards.

You may also want to consider working with a personal trainer or fitness coach to help you set and reach your goals.

Find an activity or exercise that you enjoy.

It's much easier to stick with a fitness routine if you enjoy the activities you're doing.

If you hate running, don't force yourself to run every day.

Instead, try something you enjoy, like swimming, dancing, or yoga.

Experiment with different types of exercise to find what works best for you.

Keep in mind that it's important to mix up your workouts to avoid boredom and keep your body guessing.

Start slowly and gradually increase your intensity and duration.

If you try to do too much too soon, you're more likely to burn out or get injured.

Ease into your new routine by starting with shorter workouts and gradually increasing the intensity and duration as you get stronger and more comfortable.

It's also important to listen to your body and take breaks when needed.

Make a schedule and stick to it.

Choose specific days and times for your workouts and make them a priority.

Whether it's first thing in the morning, during your lunch break, or after work, it's important to set aside dedicated time for your fitness routine.

To make it easier to stick to your schedule, try to fit in your workouts at the same time each day.

You may also consider scheduling your workouts around other commitments and responsibilities.

Find a workout buddy or accountability partner.

Having someone to exercise with can make workouts more fun and help you stay motivated.

Consider finding a friend or family member who shares similar fitness goals and schedule regular workouts together.

You can also join a local sports team or fitness group to meet new people and stay motivated.

Getting back into a fitness routine takes time and effort, but the benefits are well worth it.

Regular exercise can help improve your physical and mental health, increase energy levels, and boost your mood.

With some planning and perseverance, you can develop a healthy, sustainable fitness routine that helps you feel your best.

Ben Yates is a personal trainer and behaviour change specialist at Places Gym Hinckley and Hinckley Leisure Centre in Leicestershire.

Ready to take your wellness program to the next level? Connect with Ben Yates and become a fitter, healthier and happier you. Click here to schedule a free consultation.