It happens and it’s OK! Even those with the best plans, intentions, and support system can loose steam, resort to old ways, and fall off track when life gets busy or throws a curve ball. When this happens just accept the fact, be kind to yourself, and don’t think that this will prevent you from reaching your goals. The key is to recommit to your routine as quickly as possible. There will always be an excuse to keep putting it off, but don’t allow that to happen. 5 tips to help you stay - or get back - on track with your fitness routine: - Schedule your workouts (put them on your calendar) and do everything in your power to stick to your schedule. You’re more likely to do something if it’s actually scheduled into your life.
- Plan for barriers or obstacles that prevent you from working out, and create solutions in advance.
- Don’t have time to do a full workout? Think “I can still accomplish something!”, and choose 2 or 3 exercises you can do in 10 minutes. This may seem insignificant or perhaps not worth-while, but by honoring your schedule and following through you will establish a habit. The actions you take will impact how you bounce back should you fall off track again in the future. Also, don’t let the tendency of only doing things the “optimal way” prevent you from doing them at all; the cumulative effect of small progress will translate into big results over time.
- Try not to go more than 3 days without working out. However, you must listen to your body especially if you’re recovering from an illness or injury. Take the necessary time to allow your body to heal and repair. You may need to decrease your workout intensity, duration, or change the type of activity until you are feeling ready to fully resume your routine.
- Remember your “WHY”. Why is health and fitness important to you? Take time to visualize and imagine how you will feel after your workout and once you reach your goal.
Our sweet, furry family member had a health crisis recently which also coincided with a tsunami of multiple other events and difficult situations. Trying to navigate all this made Sunday blur chaotically into Friday. But because past experiences have forced me to be creative with my workouts, and since physical exercise is a tool I utilize to manage my stress (part of my “why”) I was able to rely on previously formed habits and carve out time for movement. Were all my workouts “optimal”? NO (Although I may have reached a new PR in calf-raises while waiting at the veterinary clinic.) Did my lack of sleep require less intense training? YES. But that's OK! I moved my body each day in a way that felt appropriate and left me feeling proud and accomplished despite the circumstances. As of this afternoon, I have next weeks training plan scheduled in my calendar, and I’m looking forward to getting back into my normal routine. I believe in you! Kristen
P.S. If you're looking for a "planning toolkit" to assist you with your weekly training schedule, the Training Workbook that’s included in the HIKE-ABILITY Training Program will provide you with all the necessary worksheets and structure to help you plan and track your weekly workouts, and help you stay on track with your hiking fitness goals.
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