ad. Since having my son way back in 2020, I’ve struggled to get back into a fitness routine. I have had spats of a few weeks here and there, mostly when my husband has been off work and I’ve been able to grab an hour or so to myself. Any parent will know how hard it is to make time for yourself when you have a young child. When you finally have time for yourself, you might prefer to just sit still in silence rather than exercise. I’m often overstimulated, touched out and just need some peace.
I’m currently on my longest streak of some kind of fitness routine. I think like I’ve finally cracked it this time (yes, I’ve said this before…)! Before I had a baby, I was consistently exercising for years. I ran half-marathons, cycled, and was on a weight-lifting program with a personal trainer.
But you have all the time in the world when you don’t have a small human relying on you. I still class this body as my post-partum body and erm, it’s been four and a half years. So time to get a grip, please.
During the February half-term, I built my new garage gym in our new house. Since then, I’ve managed to stick to a consistent routine of at least three times a week! My son goes to pre-school five times a week, and now we’ve moved, I’ve not got the stress of that getting into my head and killing all the motivation.
The cherry on top for me is getting some new workout clothes from adidas to make me feel like I look great while running around our village or going to the gym. But it’s not just about clothes. Over the years, I’ve figured out some things that keep me on track with my goals.
Let’s look at some ways you can stay motivated while attempting to get back into a workout routine.
New workout clothes
Listen right, new workout clothes are not going to make you lose more weight or lift heavier. But they can make you feel great and motivated. It’s not necessary to buy more gym clothes and tracksuits if you don’t need them, but it can help you feel a bit more excited about your workouts.
The right equipment
The right equipment can help you stay on track. For example, if you want to take up running, then it’s worth looking into waterproof trainers or the correct type of trainers for your runs, like trial running shoes. There might be other things that can help your comfort levels, such as having a way to carry your phone and keys, or a water bottle that’s easy to hold.
Having the right equipment helps you feel comfortable and prepared for your exercise so you can get on with it without worrying.
The right space
Having the right space can also make a big difference. If you are working out at home, then having an area with your workout equipment ready will make things a lot easier. If you have to get things out before actually working out, it can turn into a barrier. I love that I can just walk into my home gym and get straight to exercise. In my old house, the garage was a lot smaller, so I had to move things around before I could exercise, and I found it demotivating.
I have tried working out from home in the past, where I’ve had to bring weights from different rooms before I could start exercising and it was a massive ick for me.
Be inspired by others
Many people document their fitness journey online. There are vlogs on YouTube, the running community on Instagram and even diet accounts that track their process and use social media to stay accountable and connect with others doing the same. It helps me to get a bit obsessed and surround myself with fitness, so I am encouraged to keep on going.
If this is the type of thing that inspires you, then get searching through hashtags and you’ll be sure to come across some people who are on a similar journey to you.
Plan Your Workouts
It goes without saying that planning your workouts is a great way to stay on track. Take some time each week to decide when you will work out and what you will do. If you are going to the gym and doing weights, write a plan for what you will train and which exercises you plan to do. Make a note of the weights you lift so you can track your progress in the future.
Make your goals realistic
Don’t get in all guns blazing for daily workouts – it needs to be something realistic. I’ve had goals in the past where it’s simply just to move. Whether that is going to the gym or getting out for a walk, as like as I am doing movement, it’s a win. This is especially important when you are still forming the habit of making time to exercise. Keep it simple and change your goals over time.
Good luck with your goals!