Share
As February rolls around, many of us find ourselves slipping away from those ambitious New Year’s resolutions. We started strong with intentions of working out regularly, but somewhere, life got in the way.
Whether it’s a busy schedule, lack of motivation, or a simple case of getting discouraged, it’s easy to fall off the exercise wagon. However, it’s never too late to get back on track – and make exercise a lasting, enjoyable part of your routine.
Here are some strategies to help you re-commit to your fitness goals and build a lasting habit:
1. Start Small, Stay Consistent
Rather than aiming for an hour-long workout every single day, begin with short, manageable sessions, and incorporate rest days into your routine. Try 10 to 20 minutes and aim for consistency instead of intensity.
2. No Pain, No Gain – Don’t Be Disheartened By DOMS
Many people who are new to or returning to exercise will experience DOMS – Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness – which typically starts 1-2 days following your workout. This is a normal response to new or increased physical activity, especially strength training.
While it can be uncomfortable, DOMS is a sign that your muscles are adapting and getting stronger. To ease the discomfort, focus on gentle stretching, hydration, and rest. Don’t be discouraged by the soreness; it’s a part of the process and usually decreases as your body gets used to your new routine.
2. Make It Enjoyable
Exercise shouldn’t feel like a punishment. If you’re struggling to enjoy your workouts, try experimenting with different activities that you find more fun. Dance, team sports, yoga, or even a brisk walk in the fresh air can be just as effective as more traditional exercises. Find what excites you, and the motivation will follow. When you enjoy what you’re doing, you’re more likely to stick with it.
3. Set Realistic Goals
Setting goals is important for motivation, but you need to make sure that you can achieve them. Start with goals that are more easily attainable, such as exercising three times a week for 20 minutes, or hitting a specific number of steps each day. As you hit these milestones, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment that encourages you to keep going.
4. Incorporate Variety
Doing the same thing every day can get monotonous. Spice things up by mixing different types of exercise into your routine – for instance, strength training one day, HIIT cardio the next, or a bootcamp-style class the next. A varied approach keeps workouts interesting, reduces the risk of injury through overuse of the same muscle groups, and ensures you’re improving your strength across your whole body.
5. Track Your Progress
Nothing feels more rewarding than seeing progress, no matter how small. Whether it’s tracking your workouts in a journal, taking pictures in the mirror to visualise your progress, or simply noting improvements in your energy levels, keeping track can motivate you to keep going. Celebrate your successes, no matter how minor they may seem – they add up!
Ultimately, Getting into and sticking with exercise can be challenging, but by starting small and staying consistent, you’ll start to see real progress on your fitness journey. So, if your New Year’s resolutions are starting to fade away, don’t worry – there’s always a chance to reset. Start fresh, and let February be the month you rediscover the joys of exercise!
Related News
Vita is an award-winning, CQC registered healthcare provider
Corporate Services
NHS Services
Private Services
About
Other Links
Vita values you
In the coming months, Vita Health Group will be launching a brand new website. But before we do, we’d love to hear from you. Complete our short user experience survey so you can have your say on how we can improve your online experience in the future.
We hope you’re enjoying the summer weather! To help you stay active and pain-free, we’re offering a 10% discount on initial physiotherapy consultations when booking online.
Available at our Crystal Palace, Mottingham, Croydon and Orpington clinics, this offer is valid until the 31st July, so book your appointment today!
Join course leader, Lucie Ironman
for a free 30min webinar on Vita’s newest course – Mental Health Advocacy. Designed specifically for the workplace, learn about the mental health topics covered, learning style and after course support. Book below.