Happy New Year is OVER!
We’re almost at the end of January, one month into 2018, 1/12th of the year down, and if you’re at all like us (aka human), it can be super tough to get back into a normal fitness routine after a busy Christmas.
Check out our latest blog on how to get back into the gym and back on track, with tried and true tips from Activate.
You’ve heard it before, but we’re gonna say it again… CONSISTENCY IS KEY!
If you haven’t heard it before, check out our blog post on consistency here.
It’s not only the key to performing well in the gym, but to achieving any long-term goal in life, but it is especially true in the world of health and fitness.
Our Christmas involved lots of travelling, parties, late nights, lack of rhythm and consistency in eating habits, head colds, I’m sure many of yours looked like this too?
We wrote about enjoying your Christmas here, and it’s such a fantastic time of the year to relax and enjoy time with loved ones, but all the relaxation does interrupt your normal routine. So many of our members have commented how glad they were to come back to the gym in the past few weeks and how they were enjoying slowly getting back to normality and routine.
It’s hard, genuinely hard to get back into the groove after any break (whether it’s just one week or a few, or even a few years…). So, what’s the best way to get back into the gym and back into a healthy routine in 2018!?
TIP # 1: Start small.
Start small. Really small.
After a long break, it takes less than you think to challenge your body. The biggest thing is regaining your momentum. Or if you’re very new to the gym, finding a rhythm that works for YOU. Starting small helps you stick with it and build your confidence back up. Not to mention, it helps you avoid the “Oh no, not a flight of stairs” soreness that’s often associated with the return to the gym!
If you’ve been away for a few weeks: your first few workouts back, grab the lighter kettlebell/barbell and just work on moving again, focus on getting your heart rate up and breaking a sweat again.
Just do it.
Of course, it’s easier said than done, but there’s no better time than the present to get yourself into the gym. “Tell me that on a cold Monday morning in January” I hear you say! But January might actually be a great time to start, as many people will just be coming back into routine now too, so you can all keep each other accountable!
If you’ve been away for years, or have never stepped foot inside a gym before, then our On-Ramp is the perfect introduction to a gym setting. In a small group you’ll be thought the various techniques and how to move correctly at your own pace.
Also, if you’ve read our consistency post, you’ll know that: fitness, strength, speed on the pitch or a “summer body” can’t be attained in six/eight weeks. It takes consistent effort and a sustainable plan to achieve your goal. So it’s a lot easier to get up and into the gym in January than it is to buy into the massive amounts of crap you’ll be sold in May to get “Beach bod ready” from slimming shakes to detox teas to quick fix ‘beach bod’ boot camps! They don’t work, but working hard on consistent cold January/February mornings does!
The more you think about it, justify it, analyze it, doubt it… the more time you waste not attaining your goals. Just do it! Show up and put in the work. You definitely won’t regret it!
TIP # 2: Set a schedule and stick to it.
The hardest thing about Christmas for me always is the lack of routine. I’m a creature of habit, and not having my workouts planned for the week gave me every excuse not to go to the gym and get it done.
I’m sure you’ve heard the saying, “It’s not real unless you write it down”?
Well it’s true, if you actually make a commitment on Sunday evening for the week ahead, you’re far more likely to stick to them.
That’s one of the huge advantages of our TRIIB system at Activate, we encourage you at the beginning of the week to pick your times that you’re going to come to class for the week (obviously this isn’t always the case if you don’t work regular work hours etc)but actually clicking that button and making the commitment with yourself is so powerful, start planning your week of workouts now and DO NOT CANCEL on yourself!
A wide and varied schedule is important so that YOU can choose when suits YOU to work out. Here at Activate, we have Killarney’s most extensive timetable. Check it out HERE.
Be ruthless in removing any obstacles that could potentially stand in your way when coming to the gym. If you work out in the morning, set out your workout clothes the night before, and set two alarms. If you workout before dinner or early in the evening, put all of your workout clothes and equipment (jump rope, wrist wraps, etc.) and an extra set of workout clothes in the car so you’re always ready to hit Activate. A little forethought goes a long way towards making sure little obstacles or distractions don’t derail you in making it in.
TIP # 3: Start your day with a win!
Each morning is another opportunity for a fresh start, so approach it like a winner and smash some goals!
Willpower is highest in the morning, so create a morning routine that will set you up for success the rest of your day. Getting up on the right side of the bed is simpler than you think…
TIP # 4: Grab a workout buddy.
Accountability plays a crucial role in success. Although some of us are great at holding ourselves accountable, having a buddy doubles the likelihood that you’ll work out. Find someone you care about, someone you click with, someone who will push you to get out of bed on that cold Monday morning and hold you accountable for not showing up.
Having a coach who is invested in your success and wants to see you reach your goals is also another hugely important accountability tool to arm yourself with. Here at Activate, our coaches are exactly that, invested in your health and fitness and highly motivated to help you reach your goals.
TIP # 5: Schedule a goals meeting!
If you haven’t realized this already, Activate is not like your normal gym!
We seriously love not only helping you set goals, but crush them too.
Set yourself up for success this year, attend our goal setting seminar and schedule a goals meeting with one of our coaches with our “Coffee with coach” sessions. (Any excuse for another coffee!)
We’ve got lots of things planned to assist our members living healthier and happier lives so watch this space, not to mention our full calendar of social events to ensure you achieve a good balance in life!
Eating healthy and working out can actually be really simple. At Activate we believe that it’s important to not over-complicate things—that only leads to unhelpful stress and guilt.
Eat your veggies, get your body moving, celebrate every win, and enjoy the process!
We’re here for you every step of the way and are constantly working to ensure we make your life healthier and happier!
Check out our upcoming goal setting seminar to start to focus on your goals and bring your health, fitness and happiness to new levels!
You can register at: https://activate.triib.com/events/goal-setting-seminar