Starting a fitness routine after a long break

 

 Photo credit:  LifeHack

You know it's been a long time since you worked out if you can't remember where you last saw your workout shoes or clothes for that matter.  How about that old water bottle? Many of us have a huge list of good excuses reasons for why we stop a perfectly good workout routine and that's perfectly OK to do.  After all, life does happen and sometimes it happens to interrupt whatever we have going on at the time.  In my case I had a big move and now that it's all said and done I really have no reason to hold back.  Add to that the holidays and the damage could be pretty bad (let's just not go there right now!)

I'm not a big fan of making resolutions because I feel sort of paralyzed after a few weeks.  It's like I make this decision to do the best ever and then if I can't meet that huge goal I feel like a complete failure. Instead I just jump right in and get started with what was working before or at least adjusting what wasn't working.  

So how do you get started?

First - you need motivation.  Only you can make the decision to start a wellness program and only you can determine the reason.  To lose weight, to maintain weight, to be more active? for your kids? Whatever the reasons, write them down and let that be your motivation to START!.

Second - gather up your gear & put it on the schedule.  Get everything ready the night before - find that old gym bag and fill it up with a bottle of water, towel, exercise shoes and clothes.  Be prepared and eliminate any potential pitt-falls. On your family or personal calendar, write your workout plans. Make this an appointment with yourself, your family or your friends.

Third - where are you going? are you going to the gym? calling a friend to join you on a walk? going for a run or bike ride? working out at home? Choose your activity.  It really doesn't matter what activity you choose, but choose one and go with it.  Be prepared to do that activity and several others throughout the week.  

Fourth - Clean out your fridge and pantry.  The last thing you need are temptations to ruin a good workout. You don't have to toss the goodies, although not having them is the best way to go, just tape up the boxes and bags and place them up high or low - you don't want those treats to be easily accessible.  Instead, load up on fresh or frozen fruits, vegetables, healthy snacks such as nuts and high fiber protein bars and of course, water.  Yes, plain old water.  Keep the water bottles ready to go in the fridge or on your counter and drink water throughout the day.

The first workout might be the hardest but it will be the beginning of a much healthier you in 2010!!

Stay Well,

 
 Cross Posted at BlogHer

Comments

[Sally]

I wish you well with your resolutions. Thanks for visiting my blog and leaving a comment. Come again and stay warm!

[Lance]

Terie,
That last point...so true. And my challenge, staying away from the food we have in the house (why do we even buy some of this stuff, anyway???). Hey, I would say that your reason for taking a bit of a workout break was way more than justified - you moved!! (hint: that excuse doesn't work for me...). I'm in with you on this - here's to getting our workouts in AND eating healthy!

[Terie]

Hi Sally.Thanks for the well wishes. I appreciate you stopping by:-)

[Terie]

Lance--yeah, why do we buy the stuff? Because we know we like it, we plan to control the portion or work it off somehow and that doesn't always happen. I'm better at working out harder then I am at controlling every bite, but I try and then I work at not stressing about it. Let's just stay healthy inside and out!! Thanks for stopping in. I'll be over at the Jungle to see what provoking thought you bring to us on the 2nd Sunday of the year :-)

[Account Deleted]

I need motivatin' in a big way! FamilyInShape appeared to me out of nowhere for a very good reason and I better pay attention and follow! Thank you!

[Lori]

Yep there's no place and time to start like here and now. Here is to us a being healthier in the year ahead!