It happens, we take a few too many days off and the motivation to get back into a regular workout regimen seems to be a thing of the past. You know you should get back into a routine that keeps you feeling your best, but pizza and beer are so tempting, and there’s always tomorrow to fit in a little physical activity. The problem though, is tomorrow turns into next week, and the week after, and then work picks up, and you’re suddenly so busy you’ve forgotten to take care of your mind and body for months. Let’s change that! Here are 5 helpful tips for jumping back into any workout routine and begin forming healthier habits.
1. Motivational music.
Use Spotify, Google Play, iTunes, or any other music app that you like, to create a workout playlist of your favorite motivational tunes. Pick out songs that inspire you and make you want to move, there’s an undeniable sense of power music has over the body and mind, use it.
2. Find an accountability partner.
When someone else is depending on you to show up, you’re more likely to show up. Plan social events around a hike, fitness class, or hire a professional to host a weekly yoga class for your friends or family. (What’s more motivational than a personal coach or yoga instructor to guide you through a customized class?)
3. Try something new.
Trying new forms of exercise can be a great way to get motivated. If your bored of your routine, try switching it up! Some fun ideas might be a hike, joining a running club, trying a new class like zumba, martial arts, or Pilates.
4. Treat Yourself.
Pair your workout with a delicious and healthy lunch, smoothie, or fresh juice. You will feel even better about replenishing your body with a nourishing treat after a hard workout.
5. DO IT NOW.
Author and motivational speaker, Mel Robbins highlights this concept best in her book “The 5 Second Rule”, in which she describes the science behind counting backwards from 5 and then launching into whatever task or project you’re procrastinating. Try this next time you are tempted to press the snooze button on your alarm instead of getting up for your morning workout. When you hear the alarm start to buzz, take a breath, and think to yourself “5, 4, 3, 2, 1”, then launch yourself out of bed and into your day.
Living a healthy life starts with your body. If you take care of your body you will develop that sense of pride in yourself and the consequently the way you feel about yourself (or your self esteem). With this in mind, let me offer you some very simple and basic tips for living a healthy life. Firstly, realize the importance of oxygen to your body and your health. Breathing is not just to get oxygen to our vital organs. Every cell in your body requires oxygen for it’s survival and health. You are only as healthy as the cells in your body. In order to fully oxygenate our bodies we must learn to breathe deeply, fully and effectively. Deep, diaphragmatic breaths will, apart from oxygenating your system, stimulate the movement of lymph fluid through the body. Lymph is the body’s natural cleansing system, essential to keeping your cells free from toxins and maintaining a healthy environment for the cells of your body to live in. To breathe properly you must breathe in the following ratio: inhale(1) : hold(2) : exhale(4). For example inhale for 4 seconds, hold for 8 seconds and exhale for 16 seconds. Doing this simple exercise with 10 deep breaths 5 times a day will vastly increase your health, your energy and help maintain a healthy immune system. Secondly, understand the importance of water to your body and health. Our bodies consist mainly of fluids and water, along with oxygen is the basis of all life. Taking sufficient amounts of water is essential for health and life, but also we need to avoid foods that drain our bodies from vital fluids. Foods that are high in sugar, salt, caffeine and preservatives will actually absorb fluids from your body causing certain vital functions to shut down. Eating foods that are naturally rich in water is essential and include all fruits, vegetables and sprouts.