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A decorated cake that's too cute to eat
This Cake Is Too Cute To Eat – Wordless Wednesday
August 19, 2015
She Found A Passion For Photography In Her 40's
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August 22, 2015

Getting Back Into The Exercise GrooveThe summer months can wreck havoc on your exercise schedule. Between the family cook-outs and the day trips, it’s easy to look back over a week only to realize that you didn’t exercise at all. Then, throw in a week or two away from home and you can easily end up with a month or more of idleness.

What hurts even more is that your body is bearing witness to those missed exercise sessions. I mentioned in last week’s post that I managed to keep my weight in check over a two-month trip to the US, but that doesn’t mean my body is necessarily in the same physical shape it was when I left. It’s time to rebuild some endurance and gain back some muscle tone.

I started back on my normal exercise routine this week and I didn’t find it as painful as I thought it was going to be, but it was painful. Of course nothing could prevent the inevitable soreness that kicked in the following day when my muscles rebelled from their months of vacay. Still, I am back in the saddle again and on my way toward resuming my exercise routine.

Tips For Getting Back Into The Exercise Groove

So, now you find yourself coming to the end of the summer and it’s time to rein things in again. Here are some tips to help get your groove back.

Set A Specific Date - Calendar Pic1. Set A Specific Start-back Date

Summer is supposed to be more laid back, so you shouldn’t fault yourself for taking some time off. But, we all know that exercise is essential for overall fitness and weight control. So, it’s important to have a specific start-back date and stick with it.

A specified date will help you organize your other responsibilities. We all know that exercise takes time, so you are more likely to stick with your goals if you have already set up blocks of time in advance.

2. Exercise Sets You As A Priority

Exercise is one of the few life activities we do entirely for ourselves. It’s OK to be a little selfish with this facet of life because it affects every other area of your life. If you want to have the energy and strength to conquer everything else on your to-do list, then you need to attend to your fitness goals.

3. Give Yourself Permission To Ease Back In, But Still Keep Your Routine

On my first day back to group exercise classes, I took several more water breaks than I normally would. But, I still stayed for the whole class session. It’s fine to take it easier, but you will get into the groove quicker if you push yourself a little.

If you normally jog for 45 minutes as part of your typical routine, then you still need to allot the same amount of time when you get started. The difference may be that you add some walk-run intervals to catch your breath.

Tennis Shoes

4. Buy At Least One New Item

OK, so we’re girls and what do girls like…new things! A new pair of tennis shoes or a colorful top will give you a little boost when you are feeling weak and a little deflated for having to start back at square one.

So, What If You Have Never Had An Exercise Groove To Restart?

You may be thinking, it’s all fine and good to get back on the exercise wagon, but what about those of us who have never had a routine to speak of? All of the tips I’ve mentioned can easily apply to an exercise beginner. The only thing I would suggest is a modification of Step 3.

When you first start exercising you will not really know what you are capable of. I believe a personal trainer is a great

Blog Post - Getting Back Into The Exercise Groove

way to go for a first-time exerciser. A personal trainer will have the knowledge and expertise to evaluate your current physical level and chart out a plan for you to follow.

If a personal trainer is out of your budget, there is a huge amount of information available on the internet. Just make sure you have a plan and establish goals for improvement.

Ultimately, your fitness goals will thrive or die based on your commitment and planning. Getting back into the exercise groove helps set you up for success, both physically and mentally.

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Living It, Shellie

 

19 Comments

  1. Loving this! You are so talented. Thanks for sharing this at our party. Pinned and tweeted. I hope to see you on Monday at 7 pm, so we get to party with you again! Lou Lou Girls

  2. Christine says:

    These are all great tips, Shellie! Scheduling time to exercise is where I have the most difficulty! Buying a new pair of tennis shoes, may be the inspiration to help make exercising a priority! Thank you for sharing! It’s always a pleasure co-hosting with you #OMHGWW! Have a fabulous week!

    • shelliebowdoin21@gmail.com says:

      Same to you Christine! Yes, showing off new stuff always seems to help motivate us girls 😉

  3. Nice article! Very well put together–I was a group fitness instructor for years so really enjoyed your tips, Shellie. Again, nice to co-host with you at #OMHGWW.

  4. An excuse to buy something??? Why, yes! I’ll take it! Haha. Thanks for the encouraging words! I really would love to get back into an exercise routine – whether I lose weight or not, I know I’ll feel better. 🙂

    Linking up with you at OMHGWW,
    Heather

    • shelliebowdoin21@gmail.com says:

      Hi Heather, Yes, you can’t beat the benefits; especially for your mothers! Thanks for co-hosting #OMHGWW with me.

  5. Becky says:

    This is a great reminder. I need to refocus on my exercise and be more consistent. Maybe a new pair of shoes will help! Thanks for sharing.

    • shelliebowdoin21@gmail.com says:

      Yes,it’s amazing what we girls will do to show off something new;) Thanks for stopping by,Becky!

  6. Eden says:

    Absolutely love this post. I always find myself getting in and out of a groove. Love the idea of buying something new 🙂

    • shelliebowdoin21@gmail.com says:

      We girls are just motivated by pretty things and I will take any motivation I can get!

  7. Paula R says:

    Great post. I think whatever helps us to get motivated – and moving again (or for the first time – is good! #MidLifeLuv

    • shelliebowdoin21@gmail.com says:

      So true, the important thing is to get back in your groove!

  8. Debbie says:

    Awesome tips, Shellie.
    A lot of people have their habits changed because of summer vacation. Now it is time to get back on track.

  9. Kathleen says:

    Very good motivation to get going and hopefully keep it going. Thanks for bring this to Fridays Blog Booster Party #20
    Kathleen

  10. I have been trying to get back to yoga again but I guess I need extra kick :). After chemo, my body has gone through huge changes

    • shelliebowdoin21@gmail.com says:

      Oh Indah, I can only imagine! I have a friend who told me that yoga really helped her and it was the only exercise she could manage after chemo.