Have you ever gotten into a great workout routine, only to find yourself out of it shortly thereafter? The good news is you are far from alone. Just because you fell out of practice doesn't mean you can't get back to it. Even though the world of exercise can be intimidating or overwhelming, there are plenty of ways to navigate it to make sure you're successful in your journey. If you're ready to start feeling better, getting stronger, and making exercise a part of your life again, you might find the following three tips for getting back into it both inspirational and useful.
1. Think of Your Diet as Fuel
What you eat and drink each day has a major impact on so many parts of your life, especially when it comes to your energy level. When you're serious about getting back into an exercise routine, making sure your diet falls in stride with your goals is essential for seeing results. You don't need to spend hundreds of dollars on special foods or customized meal plans (unless you want to), but a balanced diet rich in whole foods will get you heading in the right direction. Limiting your consumption of refined sugars, unhealthy fats, and alcohol will make a big difference as well.
Your diet includes more than just food and drink. There are so many supplements available. Look for products that will not only fill in nutritional gaps but will also provide the extra boost of energy your body needs. Maybe you've seen posts from fitness enthusiasts on social media that leave you wondering "what is thrive, anyway?". The answer lies in research, reading reviews, and giving different products a try.
It's important to match your diet with the type of exercise program you're following to ensure you're giving your body the proper fuel it needs to perform at its best. It's also important to identify areas of your diet that aren't doing you any favors, such as a nightly dessert habit. Fortunately, there are many ways to make consuming less sugar easier.
2. Start Out Small
When it's been a while since you've exercised, it can seem a bit intimidating to get back into it. You might not be sure where to start, what exercises to do, and how often or even where you stand fitness-wise. That's all okay, especially when you commit to starting small and working your way up gradually.
One of the most important things to remember here is that any movement is better than nothing. Some of the oldest tricks in the book — parking in a far-away parking spot, taking the stairs, and walking on your lunch break are all tried-and-true ways to incorporate more movement into your day. Additionally, setting a timer for 10 minutes and streaming a workout video or hopping on the treadmill will get you off to a good start. Consistency is key.
As your body becomes more acclimated to exercising, you'll be more comfortable increasing your intensity and the number of workouts you do throughout the week. Don't forget to honor the body you have and appreciate what it can do. A body-positive mindset will make all the difference in your journey.
3. Team Up With a Friend
Have you ever noticed how much more enjoyable some things are when you're in the company of a friend? Why not add exercise to the list?
When you're just starting out, motivation and accountability are two very important things. Exercising with a friend is one of the best ways to achieve not only fitness goals but personal growth as well. Having a built-in cheering section is good for everyone and you might even find that you reach your goals sooner than expected. And the best part? You're bound to keep on going.
Getting back into exercise shouldn't be too difficult, thanks to the many things you can do to make the transition easier. With a little fine-tuning to your diet, dedication, and motivation you'll be feeling and looking great in no time.
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