When was the last time you scheduled an hour in the day just for you? If the thought of carving out time makes you chuckle and think, "Yeah right," there's a good chance you've been neglecting your workouts for quite some time. Let's face it: When life gets hectic, exercise is often the first thing to go.
Whether you're a new parent busy with a baby or a seasoned parent caught up in your kids' schedules, you might be wondering how you can get back into a fitness routine after a lapse in regular exercise. Here are eight expert tips to get you going.
Slow and steady wins the race.
If you want to find the time to work out, make sure to ease into a routine. "When you're powering back up, it's best to start out small and gradually get back to where you were," Dede Lagree, celebrity trainer and owner of Lagree Fitness Studios, says. She says to start simple by introducing small, positive change into your daily routine. For example, use your lunch break to take a walk or break up a 30-minute workout into three 10-minute sessions throughout the day.
Turn your living room into the gym.
One of the easiest ways to get back into a routine is to create a gym in your home. Certified iFit trainer Elyse Miller says she hasn't gone to an actual gym in four years and recommends setting up a workout at home that you can do using plyometrics and bodyweight exercises; then get outdoors for a walk or run.
Take advantage of the early morning hours.
The best time to work out is, of course, a time you actually will. With that said, getting up before everyone else does make a difference. "I set the alarm 30 minutes to an hour before the kiddos usually wake," Miller says. "This allows me to work out first thing--before the demands of the day take over."
Build your community.
Hanging with your kids all day can leave you craving adult social time. Why not combine fitness with fun and schedule your workouts with a friend? "Having a workout buddy or circle of friends who share similar goals creates accountability and support," Lagree says. Habit builds momentum, and momentum builds success. Having a friend to meet is a great way to get out the door.
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