Fitness

HOW TO GET STARTED or begin again

Written by Jennifer Miller

When March of 2020 came in hot with a pandemic

and school closures and lockdowns, I was in a groove. I was working out consistently, walking daily, eating healthy, all the things. I was feeling the best I had since I had my son. I was able to keep it up through the first months of the pandemic, in fact, I liked it. The slower pace allowed me to set a routine and create a space at home where I could keep up with my workouts. However, the novelty of that wore off quickly and it was much easier to binge watch Netflix every day then work out. The weeks turned into months and the next thing I knew, it had been almost two years without a consistent workout routine.

Thankfully, this past spring I met some amazing women who encouraged me to try something new and over the last few months, I’ve been able to get back into a routine and take better care of myself. Shout out to CycleBar CDA! If I am honest, starting over was one of the hardest hurdles for me to overcome. Mentally more than physically. I knew my body could do it but my mindset was hesitant and doubtful. What if I looked stupid? Or had to take breaks? Or came in dead last? The first few weeks were tough but I can proudly say that as I write this article, I am well on my way to 100 rides and have changed my outlook on myself and my worth. I am worth taking care of, my body is worth it and so is my mind. And so are you. So, if you find yourself in a place where you’ve gotten out of a routine and don’t like where you’ve ended up, find the courage to begin again. It may be tough at the beginning but you will thank yourself for it sooner than you think.

Tips for Getting Started or Beginning Again

• Set achievable goals // Start small with weekly goals before you shoot for the stars. Maybe your goal is to just take one class, or go on three walks, or use your lunch breaks to get some extra steps in. Up the goals the following week and soon it will be a habit and more firmly ingrained into your life. • Planning and Scheduling is Important // We’re all busy and it’s easy to find excuses to not workout because life can get so hectic. I find it’s easier to make my classes work when I schedule them like I do a work meeting. I book them at the beginning of the week and add them to my Google calendar and treat them like a commitment. Need more accountability?

Schedule workouts with a friend so you’ll be less likely to skip out or cancel.

• Remind yourself Why // The way I feel when I leave my cycle class is nothing short of a high. I am proud of myself for getting up early and getting there and while every class may not be better than the last,

I still showed up. I am showing up for me not just physically but also mentally. My 45 minutes to an hour of movement gives me time that is just mine.

One chunk of my day with no emails, phone calls, laundry or dishes. That is my “why”, to have that time each day for me allows me to be a better mother, wife and employee. • Try Something New // The easiest way to get going again is try something different like that new hot yoga studio or pilates reformer class. The novelty of a new experience will take away the daunting feeling of starting over and you’ll feel excited especially when starting with a friend or partner which makes it a bonding experience. • Move Everyday // It doesn’t have to be big or hard or heavy. It can be small, controlled and slow. But finding some kind of movement every day, will keep building a habit which will slowly become a lifestyle.