What To Do When You Break Your Exercise Routine

After writing about stepping back into your healthy eating lifestyle, I’ve been asked to write about how to get back into your exercise routine and stay motivated to stick with it.

So, here are some tips and ideas for you to utilize to stay (or get back) on track:

• Find physical activities that youenjoyand mix them up with the activities that you may not enjoy but may be participating in to achieve your body goals.

• Set aschedule. That way you’ll be less likely to blow it off. If you need to, set reminders for yourself, write post-it notes, put it in your blackberry.

• Sign up for aclassandpay for it in advance. If its already paid for, you’ll go to it. Also, having an instructor will help you learn new movement techniques. However, be sure to find a certified and well-informed instructor. Ask around. Word of moth is the best way to find a teacher.

• Don’t take on too much at once. It’s better to get back into your routineslowlyandprevent injury. I’ve known a lot of people who get back into their exercise routine only to injure themselves and take a month off for a sprain.

• ½ tsp. of baking sodain 4 oz. water immediately after workout – This prevents lactic acid build up that causes soreness and cramping.

• Drink drink drink!! (no silly, not at the club) –Water!!!Minimum 2L daily.

• Get plenty ofsleep. Muscles repair during sleep, so adequate sleep is necessary when building muscle. This is true not only when you’re starting to work out again, but also when you increase the difficulties of the workout or try something new.

• Don’t stop working out if your exercise routine isn’t working for you.Try something else. Know what yourgoalsare and get talking with people to find out what has worked for them. That doesn’t mean it’ll work for you, but it will send you in the right direction.

• Clarify a clear measurable way todocumentyour progress. (weight, body fat %, inches, distance, time, etc.). Check in on yourself once a month.

• Find an exercisebuddy. Not only will your routine be more fun, but there will be a little healthy and friendly competition to push you further than you’d push yourself on your own.

• When you hit a plateau,changeyour routine. Increase your reps, your weights, your speed, your distance – don’t stop. Instead, make your routine more difficult.

• Learn the difference between“good sore”and“bad sore”. Dull, aching, tight muscles = good sore. Sharp pain, very limited movement that persists for more than a day = bad pain.

• If you aren’t good sore, you’re beingtoo easyon yourself.

• If you’re in serious pain, decrease what you’re doing andbuild your staminamore slowly.

• If you’ve never had any one-on-one training sessions, consider it. Atrainercan give you a routine, new exercises, and correct your form. If you’re doing Pilates by videotape - PLEASE go to a real Pilates studio… NOW!! If you aren’t getting the results you want, even just a consultation with a trainer and a few sessions can help you get on the right path.