5 Tips for Getting Back to Fitness After the Holidays

Fitness resolutions notwithstanding, it can be really hard to get back into the swing of your workout routine after the holidays. With any luck, you enjoyed some much-needed down time. And you wouldn’t be alone — research finds December is the quietest time of year at the gym. But it’s officially January now, which is why the certified personal trainers here at Framework Personal Training in Reno are sharing five tips for getting back to fitness after the holidays.

Schedule Your Workouts Like They’re Appointments

Coming up with excuses to skip a workout is never hard, so make a plan to prioritize fitness. Sit down with your calendar, look at your schedule for the next month or so, and slot in your workouts just like you would any other appointment. Having a schedule makes it easier to find time for all the things you need to do. That way, you don’t inadvertently overbook yourself and find yourself cutting your workout.

Ease Into Intensity

Consistency is key, and overdoing it at the gym on your first day back means you may find yourself so sore, you need several days to recover. Scale up your intensity over a few workouts. After time off, it’s not uncommon to notice your standard workouts are harder than they were. Don’t let it discourage you. Instead, give yourself time to get back to where you were.

Do Something You Enjoy

If you really hate running, find someone else! Fitness should be something you enjoy, not something you force yourself to do. There are all kinds of ways to challenge your muscles and raise your heart rate, so explore different kinds of fitness. It keeps things exciting and turns a chore into something you actually want to do. Maybe people find the quiet, focused setting of a private studio, like Framework Personal Training here in Reno, a great environment for focusing on fitness. Plus, you benefit from one-on-one instruction from a certified trainer, which means you’re never just spinning your wheels — you’re actually progressing toward your goals.

Find a Training Partner

Roping in a like-minded friend adds a level of accountability to the equation. When you really don’t feel like training, your partner is there to motivate you into getting your workout in. Plus, it adds a social aspect. If you’ve gone the training partner route and it wasn’t a good fit for whatever reason, consider a personal trainer. The trainer-client relationship has a number of advantages.

Set Specific Short-Term Goals

Long-term goals are important, but it’s the short-term goals that keep you motivated and moving toward the big stuff. Little goals, like adding a specific distance to your daily walk, committing to an extra workout every week, or increasing your squat load, can be incredibly rewarding.

If you’re ready to get back on track, we hope these tips are helpful. And if you’ve been considering a personal trainer, we’d love to answer your questions. Contact us today to learn more.