I have always been in and out of the gym. In high school I ran cross county and was on the swim team. I gymmed it up in my early twenties and trained for the NYC marathon. I worked out through my pregnancy with my oldest and felt so good up until delivery. And then post-partum depression kicked in, and I fell off the wagon. I’ve been back and forth with trying to find “my soul mate workout” ever since. It isn’t easy to get back into working out when you are out of shape, so I am sharing all my secrets to getting started, whether you haven’t been in a few weeks or have never lifted a dumbbell in your life.
1. Stop judging yourself.
This is number one. Mainly because I think WE are the biggest reason for holding ourselves back from doing the things we want. It could be changing careers, trying a new workout studio or pursuing a passion that scares the heck of us. But usually the only thing keeping us from our goals and dreams is who we see in the mirror. Trust me. No one in the gym is going there to people watch and laugh. They are there for the same reason you are. To push their bodies, get a little stronger and feel a little better. Don’t let you fear of what others think stop you from trying to get back into working out. I did for way too long!
2. Grab some new gear.
Invest in yourself, guys! Get a sports bra that fits. Find a pair of legging that you feel confident in. Treat yourself to a pretty new yoga mat. It doesn’t have to be a whole wardrobe or a Peleton bike. A water bottle and a cute new journal might be enough to remind you every day that you are loving your body.
3. Find your reason. And make it good!
I have been to the gym plenty of times as punishment for over eating, because I wanted to change my looks or because I thought dropping another five pounds would fix all my problems. Go to the gym because of something positive. Make a goal that has nothing to do with your size, weight or shape and everything to do with WHO you are. Do you need some serious stress relief from your kids or job? Are you feeling tired when you just look at the subway steps? Maybe you are like me and just want to be able to run after your toddler while they learn to ride their bike without becoming a hot, sweaty mess.
4. Set some goals.
Nope. Not those kinds. Don’t worry about pounds lost or inches gained or anything. Find something to focus on that you can control. I decided I wanted to continually better my spin class score. I wanted to focus on small wins. Maybe I didn’t get my furthest ride, but I got my highest rpms. Maybe you want to run a mile or touch your toes. Find a goal, make a plan to achieve it, and get going!
5. Find a friend.
This is such a huge one. Especially if you are stepping out of your comfort zone and going to a new class or gym space and are a little intimidated. Find a friend who you can drag along with you. I promise you will be extra motivated when you are next to your own personal cheerleader. And they will push harder because they have you! Commiserate after in your post workout haze. Build that camaraderie that only comes from challenging yourselves together. Why do you think kids love team sports so much??
6. Try something new.
Be brave. Be bold. Try something you haven’t ever done before. I went to my first Barry’s Bootcamp a few weeks ago. I got to the studio and almost left before class. I was so intimidated! But I was curious about what it was all about and if I could even stay in the class for the length of time. And to my surprise, I ROCKED it. OK, it was by far the hardest workout of my life, but it was SO much fun and I felt like a total rockstar at the end because I did it.
Tell me what workout you are doing now or what you are wanting to try out!
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New workout gear always gets me pumped! Love this!
Great tips..I’m easing back into it after a recent ulcerative colitis diagnosis. Still can’t jump around too much but today I did a 2 mile Leslie Sansone for the first time in months!
You have to find what works for you! I like to do an exercise plan called the 5 factor. It’s only 25 minutes 5 times a week. Helps you get back in the groove.
I definitely needed to read this! I’ve been completely slacking on exercising for longer than I care to admit. I’m definitely my own worst critic. I’m always so scared of being judged for not being in as good shape as everyone else or not being able to finish the class or not jumping as high or whatever my excuse is. You’re so right that no one is there to judge!
I think judging myself is what tends to hold me back the most. I know I need to work on that!
Ditto, girl! We are our own worst critics.
This past week, working and straining myself has my body begging me to go to the gym. I love these tips, I think if I got new work out gear it would push me to use it and get back into a routine.
A cute outfit makes everything better 😉
These are such helpful tips. I especially love – find your reason and make it good. A good reason definitely keeps you going. Thanks for sharing
I am actually trying to get back into working out after a break right now and this is exactly what I needed. I love love love your blog and Insta feed. Keep up the great work!
I loved the section about trying new types of working out. I have been trying different fitness classes and mixing up my weekly routines to keep it fun and interesting. It really helps! Thanks for the tips.
It’s so hard to get back into it but quickly you realise how great it makes you feel. This is so helpful for giving people that nudge!
The most important thing is that the person has to find the reason in yourself. No matter we can write a long post with many tips and tricks that don’t work if the person is not enough motivated and the motivation comes from within.
What an amazing article. I am feeling a little bit more confident about myself after reading it. Judging yourself is the worst thing ever. That makes us sad. We all should stop doing that and show some love to ourselves. And, I do believe trying something new keeps our lives interesting.
Thanks for this post! I always end up taking workout breaks during a school semester, and it’s so hard getting back into a routine. I’ll definitely use your tips!
I really hate working out but your awesome tips may get me back into it! I love this.
I really stepped out of my comfort zone last week and tried #6 on your list. I started doing a video workout that I found on YouTube. I never liked doing this before because I could never motivate myself to finish the video. But I actually powered through with the help of the workout instructor in the video. I’ve been trying to get into a new routine and I hope these tips can help me!!
LOVE this. Isn’t it funny how we are so worried about what others think? They are too worried about what they’re doing to care about what we are – I always have to remind myself of that! This has really motivated me so thank you xoxo P.S. I Love your work out photo, you look gorgeous!
I love #3 and #4.. My boyfriend and I actually asked ourselves last night: “Why is the gym the one thing we cant get motivated to do?” It’s so hard! I’ve never been able to make a habit for more than a month or so. I’m going to think of a few positive reasons today that will hopefully light a fire under my butt! haha. Great post!
It’s so easy to get into a slump and it just takes a couple days of getting back into the routine and you feel amazing again! I need to get back on it for sure. I’ve neglected myself for long enough!
I really love your first tip which is to stop judging. I swear as humans, we constantly judge ourselves and we are our own harshest critics!
I know I’m holding myself back from working out! I’ll keep these tips in mind!
I just tried barre and I really like it now. I rather do classes than just working on machines. It’s a lot easier to stay motivated when you enjoy it.
Totally agree! And the group aspect keeps me working my hardest instead of just meandering around alone in a gym lol
Excellent tips! I completely agree with #3, way too many times I hear people say they want to go to the gym to loose weight but dread it, if only they can find a better reason.
No need to feel guilty! Jealous of your vacation! <3
Hello Maddy. Great post. I recently came back from Jamaica, and I didn’t exercise throughout my 4 days there. I felt guilty for sure. I picked myself and went to the gym he day after I arrived back home. I took it easy, but completed an 45-minute workout. Tip # 1 is so important.
So motivating, I need to get back to it. Summer vacation coming soon.
Hey, every body is a summer body. 🙂 Just do what makes you feel good! <3
All great tips for jumping back into a workout routine! Having a workout buddy or my headphones is what keeps me motivated. Also, the why is important. Some want to look good in their clothing and others are just more concerned about overall health. Great post!
Good music is the only way I get through a workout. lol.
I love this! I have been wanting to get back into my routine and you finally gave me the motivation!
It is hard to get back into the routine! You can do it! <3