If you’re like many people, you may have resolved to get in shape at the beginning of the new year. However, busy school and work weeks tend to throw off exercise routines, and you might have even stopped altogether. For those trying to get back on track, the guide below offers advice for restarting your workout program with more motivation than ever.

Do:

Consider why you stopped.

Without judging yourself too harshly, think about why you stopped going to the gym or meeting with the trainer. Were you feeling discouraged? Did life become too hectic? By answering these questions, you can adjust your schedule accordingly or take other steps to avoid the same mistakes when resuming your workout program. 

Set realistic expectations.

It’s common for people to have inflated expectations when it comes to weight loss, building muscle mass, and improving endurance—and, when reality falls short, they lose their momentum. Therefore, talk to your trainer about what is realistic and celebrate small victories on the way.

Don’t:

Jump back in aggressively.

If you attempt to restart your exercise routine exactly where you left off, you may risk injury or burn-out. Instead, slowly work back up to the trainer’s recommended daily dose of cardio, stretching, and strength training exercises.

Beat yourself up. 

Try not to give yourself a hard time about falling out of your workout program. Even if you miss a day or two in the future, it doesn’t necessarily mean your progress has been halted. Instead, keep moving forward—both physically and mentally.

Ready to get in shape and lead an overall healthier lifestyle? Start training at Cheetahfit Training and Massage Center. This gym offers personalized training, corrective exercise, and workout programs to help clients throughout Boulder, CO, accomplish their fitness goals. Call (303) 475-4578 to make an appointment for a fitness assessment or visit them online to learn about their physical trainers.