10 Tips For Getting Fit. Again

Since I’ve recently started working out again after a long period of illness followed by a shorter period of laziness, I thought I’d share my tips for how to get back into the exercise game. These tricks worked for me and I hope they’ll work for you:

1. Start out doing an activity that you like and that you know you’ll actually want to keep doing, so you quickly can build your new exercise habit. I love to do no-nonsense moves that make me sweaty and out of breath, so circuit training is perfect. If you love to dance, zumba and step aerobics might be ideal
2. Do short sessions often rather than a marathon once a fortnite. A little goes a long way and gets you back in the game, and you build that new routine. You’ll also have less injuries
3. Don’t beat yourself up if you miss a day. Just pick up where you left off the next day
4. Do a little every day, which means you’ll get a rush of endorfins every day as well. Yum! Since starting the 30 day shred by Jillian Michaels, I’ve really come to like working out for about 30 minutes every day rather than 1-1,5 hours every few days. Exercise has become a part of my daily routine and if I miss one day, I’m actually really excited about my workout on the following day
5. Exercise as early in the day as possible, so you get it done and can’t find any excuses for not going. If you are not an early bird, work out at lunchtime or as soon as you get off work
6. Play your favourite music (in the correct beat) while working out. You’ll keep up the momentum and pay more attention to the music than the fact that you are almost dying from exhaustion. Even better, try to sing along!
7. If your sports bra lost its elasticity back in 1999, head for the nearest sports store and pick up some colourful and techy workout gear, including the proper shoes for your sports. Looking cool in your new kit will definitely get you going!
8. Beware of your body’s limitations. It’s better not to do certain exercises and remain healthy rather than pushing forward for a quick gain, hurting yourself and not being able to work out for several weeks. I need to be careful with my back, so I do certain exercises at a slower speed to ensure that my back is properly stabilised
9. Keep it basic. Unless you thrive on trying every new fitness fad that hails out of California, some running, jumping about and simple weight lifting movements will get you far. There’s a DVD and an online video readily available for just about every fitness trend out there, so invest in a mat and some hand weights and work out whereever and whenever you feel like it. Also, if out on a run or bike ride, you can do lots of different strength exercises just using your own body weight as well as rocks, benches, tree trunks and stairs. It doesn’t have to be fancy!
10. Have fun! Be a child again and go crazy on the dance floor. Play tag with the kids. Jump the trampoline. Go swimming in the lake. Climb hills and mountains with your friend. Ride your bike to work. Mixing things up is the best way to build overall fitness and give you a strong body fit for life. Also, you won’t get bored. I walk dogs at the rescue centre once a week — getting there, walking the dogs and getting back home ensures that I’ve walked almost two hours that day, 50 minutes of them at a brisk pace, and I love spending time with the dogs

Remember that it doesn’t matter what you do, as long as you get your bottom off the couch and do it. Both your body and your mind will thank you for it!

Please share if you have any tips of your own on how to get back into regular exercise. A little help from one’s friends is the best fitness motivator there is!

Now I’m off to work out to Jillian’s 30 day shred. Care to join me?

Maybe these photos motivate you — Here’s me just after the workout and once I’ve recovered!