If you are one of those people who hasn't been able to exercise for a while for a whole heap of reasons, work, sick, work, sick... (can you see a pattern emerging here)... you may find it hard to believe, but you are not the only one who this happens to. Even people who are consistent with their exercise regime can sometimes fall off the wagon occasionally.
No matter how good you have been in the past (or how bad) it can always represent a challenge to get restarted and back on track - particularly if you've fallen off the wagon after achieving a particular goal.
If you are looking for a kick in the butt to get back on the wagon again, here are some tips to help:
1) Firstly don't break the habit - The easiest way to avoid having to get re-started is to avoid stopping in the first place. If you have been going strong with your exercise regime, then try and avoid dropping it at the first sign of trouble - you know how much easier it is to stay fit compared to the actual act of getting fit in the first place. Don't make all that hard work & effort worthless.
2) Make 'not breaking the habit' your main goal - rather than thinking about your long term fitness goals (which can sometimes feel so far away from achieving when there is so much other superfluous clutter going on) - simply focus on maintaining your regime - make that time your 'time out for you'.
3) Take small steps when you start again - We all have a tendency to try and do too much at first, especially if we are used to a certain level from our old exercise program. But when you are re-beginning it is best to leave a little in reserve and gradually increase your workload as your body starts to re-adjust.
4) Set your first goal to maintain this regime just for 4 weeks to start. Once you've achieved 4 weeks, then set it for the next 4 weeks. Small bite size chunks are so much more achievable - and again, when there are so many other demands on our time, we don't want this to feel like another stressful demand - this is what helps you to alleviate your other stresses.
5) Mark your exercise sessions on your calendar. Make this time your time for YOU. YOU are the most important thing during this small chunk of your day.
6) Make a regular time to create an exercise ritual. Ensure you have your bag packed and ready to go, so there are no last minute excuses.
Following these simple steps will help you to avoid exercise derailment and become a regular, consistent, self-motivated exerciser to help you lead an active and healthy long life!
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