Pep Talk
It's summer, and that means it's time for vacations, fun, food, drinks, and blowing off workouts. And this is perfectly normal and part of taking a break and recharging the batteries.But it always seems like, once you take a small break from the fitness bandwagon, it's SO HARD to start back up again! Here are some tips for getting back on track after some time off.
- Understand and accept that your first week back on track will suck. Yes, it will be a challenge. After a week of indulging, oatmeal and 6 am workouts do not seem very attractive. Keep in mind that it is a transition and you have to get used to your routine again. You may even slip a couple of times this week. That's okay, just get right back on track.
- Eat with willpower, not emotion. Sugar and fatty foods are addictive, and when reintroduced in large quantities on a vacation or break, it can be hard to go back to your healthy meal choices. Stick to your guns and use your head when meal planning.
- Schedule your workouts! If you can, sign up online for classes well ahead of time. Or pre-pay for them so that you will be out money if you don't show up. Call a friend and tell them to meet you so that you are accountable. And also tell them NOT to let you bail at the last minute, no matter the excuse.
- Realize that the first workout will be rough. I like to call the first workout back the "junk" workout. It will be unbelievable difficult, everything on you will jiggle, and you will feel ridiculously out of shape compared to how you felt before vacation. Just accept it for what it is and move on. It will get better with consistency.
- Try something new. If you're having trouble getting motivated, use this as an opportunity to try something different from your normal routine. Start bicycling, kayaking, paddle boarding, or indoor rock climbing for a change of pace!
- Consistency is the most important element. It doesn't matter how intensely you work out. If you can only stick with it for two weeks and then drop your program because it is too demanding, you won't get anywhere. Even working out twice a week can work for you, as long as you can maintain that for the long term.
Challenge Workout
Complete 3 rounds of the following exercises as quickly as possible, taking breaks as needed:- 8 Burpees
- 8 Hollow Rocks (or 16 Reverse Crunches)
- 8 Mountain Climbers (each leg = 1/2 rep; both legs = 1 rep)
