This post is all about how to get out of a fitness slump!
Are you in a fitness rut and wondering how to get back into working out? I’ve been there! It’s so not a fun place to be…. You want to want to workout, but everything in you just wants to NOT.🤦🏻♀️ (Such an odd, but real, cycle. I know!)
But, not to fret! ☺️ Coach Syd is here! LOL. But really… even as a personal trainer and athlete myself, I have absolutely been in fitness ruts in the past. But because of several key things I’ve learned… I haven’t been in a fitness slump that’s kept me from working out in YEARS now!
And you can totally get to this point as well! That’s why today I’m going to teach you exactly how to get out of an exercise rut, just like I did… So you can get back on your game and stay fit for life! (WOOHOO!🎉)
I hope this post helps you get out of your fitness slump!
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How to Get Out of a Fitness Slump
How Do I Get my Motivation Back for Fitness?
This is the single BIGGEST question people ask when they want to get out of a fitness rut and back into working out….
But, I need to be honest: It is the wrong question to ask.
The correct question, however, is: “How do I choose discipline when I lack motivation?”
Now, that! That’s the question that’ll get’cha somewhere!
Here’s what I mean…
As long as you are relying on motivation to move you to exercise, you will always remain inconsistent. You will always hop on the bandwagon and fall off again, as motivation is a fleeting feeling that comes and goes.
However, if you stop relying on motivation entirely, and start choosing discipline instead (even when you don’t feel like it), then, and only then, will you become consistent.
Motivation is a feeling.
Discipline is a CHOICE.
See the difference?
Let me tell you…. There is not a single athlete or exerciser on the face of the planet that always wants to workout every day. (I asked all of them. 💁🏻♀️)
It is, in fact, the discipline of those athletes and exercisers that keeps them hitting the gym consistently, day in and day out, even when they down-right don’t feel like it.
So, now to answer the correct question…..
How Do I Choose Discipline When I Lack Motivation?
If you can understand this, then you will never wonder how to get out of a fitness slump again…
The thing about discipline is that you choose it one time. Yep. Just once. That’s it.
You choose it once and then your mind is already made up.
Here’s what I mean…..
1. You determine a scheduled workout regimen that stays the same every single week.
2. And then you tell yourself “I’m sticking with this, even when I don’t FEEL like it.”
Your mind is already made up. It’s not up for debate. You just do it. No matter what. Just like putting your pants on in the morning or brushing your teeth.
And I can assure you, once you practice discipline for a while (and sometimes a long while), you WILL start to crave exercise.
Even if you hate it in the beginning. Your body gets used to what you give it regularly. And it WILL get used to the consistent exercise, you just have to give it time to adapt! ☺️
How Long Does it Take to Get Fitness Back?
It truly depends on how long you’ve been an exerciser for in the past and how long of a break you took.
I always tell my clients that the first 2 weeks are going to be the hardest. You seriously just have to keep moving those first 2 weeks, and know ahead of time that it’s going to suck, and just accept it. (Sounds harsh, but it’s true.)
Accept that it’s going to stink, but it’s just what you’re going to have to go through in order to get out of your fitness slump and onto getting results!
After the first 2 weeks, you will already have noticed a BIG difference.
Take it from me, I’ve worked with many women who quit exercising for YEARS and then came back. I always see the same pattern: First 2 weeks are really rough, and then from there, we see progress!
Now… Give it another month or two, and HOLY COW! You’re going to be blown away by how far you’ve come! You just have to stay consistent in order for this to happen. 💗
Consistency = KEY. 🔑
Is this helping you understand how to get out of a fitness slump? Comment below and let me know!
Is it Easier to Regain Fitness?
100%.
If you’ve been an exerciser or athlete in the past, it’s definitely easier to regain your fitness than it is for someone trying out exercise for their first time.
The reason being: muscle memory.
Your muscles will remember what they used to be able to do. You’ll step back into the movements with more ease, and thus, begin to tone and gain strength more easily!
Does Muscle Memory Last Years?
It definitely can! A study performed in 2016 showed that muscle memory can last 15+ years (and some of it may even be permanent!)
So, get out there and use that strong body of yours and let’s get it back to doing what it’s capable of!
5 Practical Ways How to Get Out of a Fitness Slump
In addition to all the mindset info and fitness tips I shared above, there are some very practical things you can do to get out of your fitness slump!
1. Find fun ways to exercise!
I tell my clients this all the time — if you hate what you’re doing for exercise, you’re going to dread doing it! So find what moves YOUR body, whether it be swimming, bicycling, tennis, or YOLO-boarding!
It truly does not matter, as long as it’s something that moves YOU. 💗
2. Decide on a consistent, good workout schedule.
Having a set schedule that aligns with your fitness goals is going to change everything for you! Before I started with a set plan, I was all over the place. (And therefore, a lot of times didn’t end up getting it done because other things would get in the way!)
Set your exercise into your schedule just like you would with taking your kids to school, going to an appointment, etc!
3. Have a form of accountability!
So many people do much better with staying committed to their fitness when they have someone who notices when they don’t show up.
This could be in the form of a workout partner, or an online program like my group coaching program!
4. Have scheduled rest days.
Scheduled rest days each week allow you to have something to look forward to, and time to recoup and recover.
Don’t skip your rest days. If you do, you’ll get burnt out.
Fully enjoy your rest days so you have time to look forward to getting back into the gym!
5. Buy some cute workout clothes!
Okay usually I’m never one to suggest retail as a solution but in this case, I really do think it helps. 😂 If you’re someone who loves clothes, a lot of times just having some cute workout apparel that you’re excited to put on will make you feel good about going to workout, and will make you look more forward to it!
Ya know the saying “look good, feel good?” I really do think this applies to fitness… Because when you feel good about how you look while working out, you naturally feel better about the workout in general.
Also, try doing your hair in a fun way for the gym! These CrossFit hairstyles are some of my favorites.
ALSO READ: Say This Exercise Prayer Before Your Workouts (for Supernatural Strength)
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I hope this helped you with how to get out of a fitness slump! For daily workouts, nutrition help, and a supportive community, join the SR Wellness Group Coaching Program!
Please comment below if you have any questions! You can also message me on Instagram and I’m happy to chat with you!
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