No matter how hard you try to stick to a routine, it’s not always perfect. Let’s be real: life happens.
Some weeks you might be able to stick to your fitness routine, but others might not be so perfect. And that is okay.
Whether it’s exams week, a busy workweek, family time, you name it, it’s normal to experience changes in your routine.
But what do you do when you fall off a fitness routine and struggle getting back up?
Don’t worry, I’ve been there. And now I’m helping you just in case it happens again!
Know your priorities
Whatever the reason is you’ve fallen off your fitness routine, just think about it. Is it important to you?
I’ll be honest – July felt like a blur to me. I was so focused on spending time with family that fitness, albeit still important, took a second stance.
The thing is, I was totally okay with that. I still managed to work out at least 3 times a week for 20-30 minutes, and kept my nutrition as clean as possible.
On the days when I went to bed a little later than I wanted, I gave myself the opportunity to rest and sleep a little bit longer instead of exercising.
But, I got to enjoy time with family members who I don’t see very often. That was my priority during that time.
How to pick yourself back up after you fall off a fitness routine
Whether we want to admit it or not, falling off a fitness routine is very common. Especially when you are just starting.
But I don’t want to just talk about how common it is – I want to help you pick yourself back up and get back to your routine.
Don’t beat yourself up
First of all, give yourself a break! Do not beat yourself up if you fall off a fitness routine.
Understand that we are all humans and life will happen. But what’s important is how we handle what gets thrown our way.
So please, please, please do not tell yourself you failed!
Now that we got that out of the way we can proceed.
Start small – and stay consistent
Whether you haven’t worked out for 3 days, 1 week, or a month, just let yourself get back to your routine in the most natural way possible.
Don’t look at ‘falling off track’ as a huge roadblock or something that’s impossible to achieve.
Also, don’t expect to run a marathon with a PR when you haven’t worked out in months.
Set yourself realistic expectations and remember why you chose this lifestyle. Then get back to it.
Your body might feel tired at first; that’s totally normal.
Know your limits and push yourself but don’t burn yourself out or risk an injury.
Get back to a workout routine, and stick to it. Consistency is key to getting back to a healthy lifestyle.
They say it takes 21 days to build a habit, so keep focusing on the ‘why’ and push through it.
Once you realize that working out has so many more benefits besides ‘looking fit,’ you’ll actually crave a workout. So just remind yourself that this is a commitment you made to yourself.
But please keep in mind that working out and being healthy shouldn’t feel like a chore or something you have to do. It should be something you want to do.
Keep going
Now that the mental part is out of the way, let’s move on to the physical.
I like to set my workout clothes the night before so when I get up in the morning, I’m ready to go.
I personally follow the Studio Tone It Up workouts, but whatever your fitness routine is, get everything ready to go!
My favorite part about the Studio Tone It Up app is that I get to chat with the girls before class. That’s a great way to avoid any excuses for not working out.
If you don’t have the Studio Tone It Up app (highly recommend downloading it), try asking a friend to join you! There’s nothing greater than the power of accountability and friendship.
And if that’s not an option, text a friend and let her know you want to make it to your workout and you’d appreciate an accountability text.
Find something that will hold you accountable to get your workout done. Once you start working out you’ll feel amazing and will be so glad you did it.
Remember, you will never regret a workout!
I hope these tips helped and if you have any other, I’d love to hear them! Drop them in the comments below.