We’re all guilty of having a gym membership that we don’t use as much as we should or promising ourselves we’ll set our alarm slightly early one morning to go for a run before hitting snooze one too many times.
The truth is, while regular and consistent exercise is important, it can be hard to fit into a busy routine. Furthermore, if you have lost motivation or haven’t worked out in a while, it can be even harder to grab your sneakers and get back out there again. This is due to a multitude of factors, many of which are centered around a lack of confidence or belief in our abilities.
However, we’ve got a secret for you. You can return to exercise, and you can do it in style! Here are some top tips to get you started!
Address any previous injuries ahead of time
In a world that often teaches us not to complain, we are often quick to dismiss our injuries. However, if we do not address them appropriately, they will only worsen over time, making it even harder for you to get back in the game when it comes to working out. For example, if you have had persistent pain or discomfort in your hands or wrist as the result of a previous accident, you may want to reach out to a Hand Surgeon in your local area who can provide you with specialist care, alongside letting you know the safest way you can reintroduce exercise safely after an injury.
Don’t exercise to lose weight
Too often, we view exercise as a ticket towards weight loss, hoping that it will make us feel better about ourselves when we look in the mirror. However, exercise is about far more than the number you see on the scales – it’s a way to boost your body’s production of serotonin, it can help manage stress, it can help you get stronger, it can clear your mind after a long day. In short, it’s important that you don’t judge your success regarding exercise on how you look – but rather, how you feel. Remember, you look great no matter what weight.
Don’t give yourself excuses
If you are looking for a reason not to work out – you will find one. For example, as we are nearing winter, many people will argue that it’s too cold to go outside and exercise, even though there are plenty of fun ways to stay active during the colder months. Therefore, whenever you are debating a workout, you must push yourself. Write down a list of every reason why you should (and shouldn’t) work out – and you’ll usually find that the shoulds outweigh the shouldn’ts. Additionally, you’ll also find that you feel much better after making yourself work out – as you’re proving to yourself time and time again that you are much more capable than you think and can tackle anything that comes your way. Furthemore, if you’re looking to ditch the excuses, you must also ensure that you find an activity you love!