Finding Motivation to Exercise After a Vacation

By Donna Stark 

Well, you are back home from vacation with nothing but a suitcase full of dirty clothes, a pile of mail that needs to be sorted, and a deficit in your savings account, but it was all worth it, wasn't it? The laughs, the adventures, the wonderful memories you made ... that's what counts the most. But guess what time it is now. That's right, it's time to get back to your normal routine, and whether you are ready or not, that means finding those healthy habits you forgot to pack on your trip and hitting the gym so you can lose those extra few pounds you gained while lounging on the beach. Need some motivation to get yourself started? Here are some suggestions.

Proceed With Caution

If you were working out for hours at a time before your trip and now don't even feel like walking down the stairs to your front door, you may want to proceed with caution. Don't set yourself up for failure or increase your risk of injury. Be realistic and introduce your body to the concept of working out again, even if that means simply exercising for 30 minutes a day until your body tells you it is ready for more.

Dial Back the Intensity

Sure, you aren't one to quit, but picking up where you left off may not be in your best interest. Instead, consider doing fewer sets during the first few workouts or try lifting lighter weights until your body is acclimated to working out at the same intensity as when you left.

Pencil It In

Actually, don't pencil it in, grab that black Sharpie marker and cement the day and time of your workouts into your calendar. Treat your workouts like the very important events that they are. By establishing your old routine as soon as you get back, it will be easier to pick up your healthy habits once again.  

Involve a Friend

There is nothing more motivating than avoiding the wrath of a friend who is as much into fitness as you were before you packed those suitcases. So, if you are having trouble staying motivated or can't seem to hold yourself accountable, give that person a call. There is no way you will cancel the fitness session when you know you have someone standing there and waiting for you to show up!

Get to It!

Vacation is unfortunately over, and as much as you would like, there is no way you can stay sitting on your couch looking through the pictures from it. So put them down, find your motivation, and get to it. The hardest part of getting back into your health and fitness routine is deciding to start. The rest will come quite easily.

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Farmington, Utah.