7 Tips for Restarting a Workout Schedule After a Break

It happened. I’ve reached the one-month mark of not working out.

THE HORROR! Except, this was a conscious decision that I chose every single day. So, really, I only have myself to blame for the disappointment this brings me.

Womp womp.

Like every other time I’ve taken an extended break from, as Fergie would say, “Workin’ on my fitness,” I’m ready to stop my laziness and whip myself back into shape. Anyone else have this problem of being especially consistent with your workout schedule and then BAM…

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Suddenly, you can’t remember the last time you actually made yourself workout? It’s a problem – a problem all of us can easily fix by just forcing ourselves to start again.

I know firsthand how difficult it can be to go from vegging out on the couch to resuming a consistent workout regimen. It’s not always fun, but it will always be worth the physical and mental effort.

The good news? It’s July 1st. That means it’s the start of a new month. It’s the chance to start fresh. Show ourselves what we’re made of. In case you need a boost of motivation, or a little help to get back into your workout routine, consider trying one or more of the following strategies that I know have helped me in the past get focused. Best of luck to you!

1. Start small.

Sometimes you just have to start with smaller steps to make it happen. Try working out three days a week instead of the five you used to do; go for 20 minutes instead of an hour; and so on. You don’t have to start at the top (because it probably won’t work out too well). Start slower to ease into the new routine.

2. Don’t assume you’re at the same level as before.

This is always the toughest part for me. I see the number of reps, the weight I used, the time on the clock, etc. in my workouts, and I’m determined to start at that same level. While my brain is there, my muscles aren’t as prepared. You have to work back up to the fitness level you were at before! Let’s not be discouraged just because we have to start a little easier.

3. Establish a structure.

It’s really hard to turn an act into a habit when you’re constantly switching it up. While it can help to try different types of workouts, I highly recommend working out at the same time every day, having some sort of routine workout schedule, and/or if you’re like me, maybe even shooting for the same amount of time for your daily workouts. Having that routine structure really helps keep you accountable.

4. Set a goal.

If you like to workout without having a specific goal to reach, more power to you. I know it can be really helpful, though, to create a light at the end of the tunnel. I’m talking signing up for a race, documenting your progress and setting new numbers to strive for, signing up for a fitness class three days a week – it’ll vary for each person, but goals help us challenge ourselves to ultimately reach our desired outcome. It’s always helpful to have a goal to work towards. Even though I don’t always like to commit to goals, it can be so motivating to feel like there’s purpose.

5. Join a program.

From P90X to a 30-day booty challenge, joining any sort of program could be a great motivator. Even if I’m completely failing at getting in my daily sweat sessions, having even the smallest challenge still seems possible somehow. I’ve found that joining an intense workout program of any kind is an awesome way to mix up my routine and get motivated.

6. Get an accountability partner.

There’s nothing quite like having a friend bully you into working out. Just kidding. 😉 But seriously, that feeling of “letting down” someone other than yourself is surprisingly effective. I just joined a small group of women for added accountability because we all want to get serious about working out and being healthier. Friends make the best workout buddies!

7. Schedule it into your day

This is really random, but I remember hearing an interview with Brooke Burke-Charvet awhile ago, and she mentioned that working out isn’t an option in her life. It’s as much a part of her day as brushing her teeth. I love this perspective on fitness because not making time for our physical health is quite silly, if you ask me. Why do we act like it’s unnecessary? Add that workout to your day and stick to it like a boss. I believe in us!!