The 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.

1. 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.

Exercise is one of the few life activities we do entirely for ourselves.
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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.

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

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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