Top 5 Expert Tips to Get Your Exercise Routine Back into Shape

The past couple of years have been challenging–mentally, physically, and emotionally. The pandemic has taken its toll on our routines and work/life balance. Many people have found that regular exercise has made all the difference in preserving their health and well-being during these unprecedented times. Yet, others have struggled to maintain fitness goals amidst the restrictions and closures. Are you looking to revamp your workout regimen? If so, you’re not alone. Here are the top 5 expert tips to get your exercise routine back into shape.

How to Set the New Routine up for Success

Step One: Be honest about why you may have stopped working out in the first place. Acknowledging what didn’t work is the best way to avoid those pitfalls in the future. When asked why they stopped exercising, most people cite lack of motivation as the number one reason. Lack of time also tops the charts. In many instances, exercise-related injuries have gotten in the way. Sometimes it can boil down to a couple of questions: Do you look forward to exercising, or is it a chore? Is it an integral part of your daily life, or is it expendable? Answering these questions honestly will make or break your workout routine.

What are the Benefits of an Exercise Routine?

Next, it’s a good reminder to consider the benefits exercise has on everyday life. Medical experts agree that regular exercise has both immediate and long-term positive benefits. Some immediate benefits include improvements to sleep, reduced anxiety levels, and stabilized blood pressure. The most significant long-term benefit is that exercise dramatically lowers risk factors for chronic disease. In addition, regular exercise helps stabilize a healthy weight, increases bone strength, improves balance and coordination, and supports overall brain and heart health. New studies are also revealing that exercise may also boost immunity.^[1] ^[2]

Top 5 Expert Tips to Get Started

1. Get your head in the game.

When it comes to a consistent exercise routine, preparation and mindset are half the battle. Setting clothes out the night before (maybe even buying some athletic wear), filling a water bottle, and having any necessary equipment ready eliminates some of the logistical steps that come between you and your workout. Planning also triggers mental commitment and sets the tone for the following day.

2. Set attainable goals and write them down.

Even if you only exercise for 10 minutes a day, it’s better than nothing. Those 10 minutes will serve as a foundation on which to build your fitness goals. A proven way to form necessary habits for long-term gains is to break up goals into smaller, more easily achievable milestones.

3. Don’t overdo it.

To avoid burnout–or worse, injury–it’s essential to start at a level of intensity appropriate to your current ability. Gut check: what you can safely do today might differ from your ability a few years ago. Proper stretching before and after workouts is also crucial.

4. Partner up with an accountability buddy.

Make it fun! A good exercise routine doesn’t need to translate into hours of solitary confinement at the gym. Choosing activities like dancing, for example, can provide multiple benefits on a mental, physical and emotional level. Having a workout partner will increase your odds of remaining committed to your regimen.

5. Fuel your fitness routine.

Speaking of support, what sort of fuel does your body need to make this new routine successful? Pro tip: incorporate a healthy diet rich in vitamins and nutrients. Consider the ways that supplementation can help. For example, CarnoSyn^® beta-alanine is proven to help build better muscle faster. Athletes who consistently take at least 3.2 grams of CarnoSyn^® a day achieve peak performance by increasing strength and endurance while enhancing focus and recovery.

Bonus Tip: Commit to a Daily Routine

The most important factor in forming long-lasting exercise habits is to create a plan that fits naturally into your schedule. Then, the key is to show up every single day. The most popular routine is to begin the day with exercise, but morning workouts are not for everyone. If you’re not a member of the 4 a.m. club, that’s ok! Maybe a pre-lunch workout during a break in the workday is ideal. Or perhaps an evening exercise is the best way to de-stress at the end of the day. It’s also important to consider gym availability when designing your routine. For example, some facilities are still operating at a reduced capacity and require advanced registration for a time slot. No matter the time or the place, commit to a daily regimen.

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^[1] Nieman, D. C., & Wentz, L. M. (2019). The compelling link between physical activity and the body’s defense system. Journal of sport and health science, 8(3), 201-217.
^[2] Jones, A. W., & Davison, G. (2019). Exercise, Immunity, and Illness. In Muscle and Exercise Physiology (pp. 317-344). Academic Press.