At some point, you had a stable exercise routine. It used to be so easy to go to the gym, hop on the treadmill, and start running. But after taking a break, it can be so hard to get back into it. That’s completely normal, and it’s okay to take the time you need to exercise regularly again.

Why You May Find It Difficult To Start Exercising Again

Unless you legitimately find exercise enjoyable, it will be difficult to develop a consistent workout routine. However, you can tackle these problems head-on based on your specific roadblocks.

1. No Time: Try Short Workouts

Some of us feel we don’t have enough time in the day to work out, but you likely have 10-30 minutes to spare specifically for exercise. But if you can’t find time, consider waking up 30 minutes earlier, walking to work, or squeezing in short exercise bursts throughout the day. 

2. Exercise is Boring: Make it Fun!

You don’t have to jog if you hate running or join a Yoga class if it bores you to death. If you pick an activity you enjoy, you’re more likely to stay interested. It’s also essential for you to vary your routine to switch things up. When all else fails, bring a friend to the gym or listen to music.

3. Failed in the Past: Join a Community

Finding the motivation to exercise is difficult because it’s hard. But, if you want to become disciplined, you need to start slow. Try exercising for 10 minutes a day, then ramp up. If you need extra motivation, join an online fitness community, like the Physeek Fit community.

4. Self-Conscious: Focus on the Future

Although it may feel like everyone at the gym is staring at you, they probably aren’t. If they are, they likely aren’t judging you. Even if they are, try your best to ignore them and focus on your goals. That isn’t an easy thing to do, so if you want to start exercising at home first, that’s okay. 

5. Too Tired: Be Prepared for Workouts

It’s actually normal to be tired when you wake up. It takes 30-45 minutes to actually “wake up” from sleep, but a morning workout can quicken this process. If you can’t workout in the morning, try to eat more food or keep your workout clothes in the car so you’re ready to exercise.

6. Laziness: Book Exercise Time

No one is truly lazy, so try to stop thinking these negative thoughts. If you start exercising, you’ll have more energy to spend on other activities, so treat movement as medicine. Book off time for exercise in your calendar and keep your workout “appointments” by setting multiple alarms.

7. Not an Athlete: Stop Competing 

You don’t have to become a superstar athlete; you just need to start moving. However, healthy competition can be a good motivator. Only 23% of Americans get enough exercise (30 minutes a day). If you exercise for 150 minutes a week, you’re already “beating” 77% of the population.

8. Can’t Afford the Gym: Stay Home

Gym memberships are expensive, and they’ll only get pricier with time. But, that doesn’t mean you can’t exercise. You can perform several strength training exercises at home using your body weight, like squats and pushups, and you can use an exercise tape for cardio workouts.

9. Pain or Fear of Pain: Start Slow

If you stopped exercising because of an injury or you were injured during your break, it’s understandable why you’d be nervous to start again. Speak to your doctor before you start exercising. Once they give you the go ahead, start with a walking program and light weights.