Tips for Getting Back into an Exercise Routine
Building CPA websites for a living is not the best way to get exercise, especially around tax season. We’re all busy, and when tax season winds down it’s going to be hard for me to to get (back) into an exercise routine. But I will. I always do. As the snow recedes I’ll be able to start biking to work again, and soon I’ll be back to running and working out regularly.
You may think you’re too tired, you don’t have time, or that there are more important things to do. But you’d be surprised at how easily you can get back into a routine.
Here are some tips that I found that helped me get back into it.
1. Change into your exercise gear.
If you have clothes that you use specifically for exercise, change into them. Just doing that will make you feel like you’re ready to start moving. Even when I’m biking in my basement, I’ll put on my biking jersey, shorts, gloves, and shoes. Getting into the mindset of exercising is going to be one of your biggest hurdles.
2. Set a small goal to start.
You might be intimidated thinking about how you haven’t even started a one-hour workout, but set a small goal to start. Even if you only do five minutes, that’s five minutes more than would do if you skipped it completely. Once you’ve started, it’s easier to keep the momentum going.
Once you have your goals for your session, you can also set goals for your week. Three days a week, four days a week. Two days on, two days off. Find something that works for you. As you fine more time, you can always do more.
3. Do something else at the same time.
When I’m using my bike trainer, I’ll put on a set of headphones and catch up on some TV shows. Then, I accomplish two things at the same time. You may also be able to read a book, listen to some music or an audio book, depending on what type of exercise you’re doing.
I actually only watch some of my favorites shows while I’m exercising, so it’s more incentive to continue exercising.
4. Do a variety of exercises.
You don’t have to do the same routine every day. Bike or run one day, do strength training or yoga the next.
There are plenty of exercises you can do. You can create several short workout routines, piece some together, move them around, to change up the pace. The most important thing is to find ways to keep it fresh, to maintain interest.
5. Don’t overdo it.
Start slow and reassess your limits again. If you used to be able to run ten miles years ago, you probably shouldn’t try that the first time you get back into your routine. If you injure yourself or make yourself ill, you’ll be less inclined to continue on with it.
Take small breaks in between sets or after you’ve been going for a while. Slow your pace or decrease your resistance if you don’t want to completely stop. And yes, it is okay to take a day off, too. Give your body a chance to rest.
6. Find productive ways to reward yourself.
Find small ways to treat yourself for your accomplishments. For example, I will take Fridays off when I meet my goals for the week. But try not to make your rewards counter to your goals.
I find that all of these things have helped me get back into a routine and continue with it. You don’t have to start out running a marathon. But, you’ll be surprised how quickly you notice improvements in your performance, too.