Numerous studies have shown that the pandemic has caused a trend of mental fatigue, increased time sitting and a monotonous daily schedule, and many of us are still struggling for our motivation and energy levels to return to normal.
Specifically, many people are still struggling to get their fitness motivation back, which is why fitness expert, Joanna Dase from Curves, has shared her top tips to curb feeling deenergised and get back into your workout routine.
1. Revisit your goal
It’s unrealistic to expect that you will instantly reach the same level of pre-pandemic fitness. However, what you can do is revisit your goal and adjust it based on your current lifestyle.
Perhaps you want to work out for better mental health, and muscle strength or to boost your endurance.
Whatever your goal may be, don’t lose sight of why you started working out in the first place.
Journal how you feel before and after each workout, so you can track what exercises you get excited about, and which ones may reduce your motivation to workout.
2. Get dressed in your workout gear!
This tip might sound simple, but it is one of the most effective.
During lockdown, many people became accustomed to not leaving their dressing gowns all day!
The act of getting into your gym clothes is the best way to action your intention to workout. Set out your workout gear the night before, so it is laid out and ready for when you get up to workout.
Ensure to find something that fits you and makes you feel good when you wear it.
When the time comes, don’t overthink your workout session and simply tackle the first step by getting dressed in the morning.
Before you know it, all the steps will have been completed and you will have achieved your workout for the day!
3. Integrate fitness into your morning routine
By getting up early in the morning and working out post-breakfast, you have successfully avoided the 8-10 hours you’d be able to talk yourself out of exercising.
If you’re someone who feels groggy and lacks energy in the mornings, exercising is a great method to start your day with more energy, focus and optimism.
Also, if you start the day in a healthy mindset, it is more likely to continue.
Whilst getting out of bed can be a struggle some mornings, once you’ve established a rhythm, you’ll be so glad that you did.
4. Focus on form
It can feel frustrating and discouraging when you can’t reach pre-pandemic fitness levels. Instead of pushing yourself too far and risking injury, focus your form for exercises that you can do.
Proper form will help you to target the areas of your body that you want to, instead of those areas of your body you didn’t mean to strengthen!
Look for fun, fast, and safe workouts within a community of support so if you’re unsure about your form, you can turn to your fitness coach and community for help
5. Don’t do ‘boring’ workouts
When discussing the discipline and commitment required for fitness routines, it can feel like a chore! However, moving your body can be an enjoyable part of your daily life.
If you’re struggling with motivation, start by dancing to your favourite music or going on a riverside stroll. Experiment with exercise and if there is something you enjoy, try adding some resistance to it or focusing more on your breathing technique.
If you’re unsure about your technique, consult your fitness coach for help.
Working out should not feel intimidating. If your fitness routine does not excite you, it’s time to find movements and a structure that removes the risk of losing motivation again.
6. Get an accountability buddy
If you’ve never set foot into a gym before, it can feel daunting, but you don’t have to go at it alone! Going to the gym with a friend means that you are accountable for turning up to support your friend and have them support you.
You can share fitness tips and learn from each other but be careful not to get into a competitive mindset.
If your friends are not available to gym with you, join a class or local fitness club. That way, you can meet likeminded people in your area who are trying to establish a fitness routine too!
7. Track other things besides your weight too
Reaching your personal physical goals is a journey, and changes to your body and lifestyle are not always instant.
If you are hyper-focused on your weight, it can be incredibly discouraging and demotivating when the number on the scale does not change.
Instead, take note of how much more energised you feel after a workout, or if exercise has helped to reduce mental health issues.
Tuning into and celebrating smaller victories is a great practice for increasing confidence and will ensure you stick to your fitness routine in the future.