One day you will finally take advice from all these fitness articles on the web. How to maintain a routine and how not to fall off the wagon. Today could be your “ah-ha” day. Be the best version of you starting now and read the below tips on how to stay on the exercise bandwagon.
If you are looking for an excuse to fall off the exercise wagon, it is certainly easy to find one.
Most research supports that many people who vowed to ring in 2014 as a healthier and fitter version of their former selves have already relapsed. I certainly hope you do not fall into this category. However, if you do it is easy to recognize the pattern and right the ship.
This is typically the cycle that happens when you fall off the exercise wagon, and here’s how to pick yourself back up:
- Falling off the Wagon
It starts somewhere. A fall off the wagon can happen overnight or it can be more of a drawn out process. You may stop as a result of an injury or an illness. Sometimes work and other personal demands slowly take over the time you had managed to dedicate to getting to the gym.
Illness, vacation, holidays, changes at work or any other change in your schedule are all things that’ll get you off the wagon. It can happen to the best of us.
- You Throw in the Towel
Often after you have fallen off the wagon you decide to simply give it all up. After missing gym classes for two straight weeks you may decide that you really should not bother making the effort to eat healthy. It’s ironic how exercise motivates better eating and promotes a healthier lifestyle. In a time where we should be compensating by eating the best we can it falls apart. A lot of times you can even gain more weight than you initially lost.
- Then You Crash
Depending on how long this period gets out of control there can be a moment when you hit bottom. You’re frustrated by the fact that your improvement was derailed and perhaps you have gained weight beyond what you initially lost, and are not happy with how you look. With Spring on the horizon there is pressure to wear shorts and t-shirts. You realize you want to feel better about yourself.
- Finally You Take Control
Here comes the turning point. When you hit bottom you were out of control, now you’re ready to put an end to the cycle. You are ready to make yourself a priority again. You want to stick to a regular workout schedule and re-establish healthy eating habits.
It’s important to set goals for yourself that are realistic for your lifestyle that you can manage. Understand that there will be times when you need to make adjustments. However, always keep yourself on your priority list because you are worth it. Life will always give you an excuse to stop working towards your goals — it’s up to you to persevere for what you truly want.
Identity Magazine is all about empowering women to get all A’s in the game of life — Accept. Appreciate. Achieve.TM Every contributor and expert answer the Identity 5 questions in keeping with our theme. As a team, we hope to inspire and motivate ourselves and inspire you to get all A’s.
What have you accepted in your life that took time, physically or mentally?
Patience — and I am still working on it!
What do you appreciate about yourself and within your life?
Accepting that not being perfect is ok.
What is one of your most rewarding achievements in life? What goals do you still have?
A successful career in marketing. I would love to own my own company eventually.
What is your not-so-perfect way? What imperfections and quirks create your Identity?
I tend to be obsessive and a perfectionist, but I’ve learned to let things unfold a little more as I’m getting older.
How would you complete the phrase “I Love My…?
I love my determination and resourcefulness. It’s come to my rescue many times!
