Let’s reminisce about these past few months, shall we? It’s mid March, and everything is beginning to slowly shut down. You have to work from home. You start realizing work was your only escape from your crazy family (even though you love them). Now, the gym is closed. You put off working out for a week until you can figure out if you want to spend money on a workout program because things will probably be back to normal soon, right?
You then decide to treat yourself and find comfort in high calorie, high fat meals. It’s fine...you’ll get back on track next week. Well, next week comes and the work you have is piling up. Not being at your physical work place is throwing off your whole schedule. You start mindlessly eating off of your kids’ (or significant other’s) plates. This results in you eating mac & cheese and chicken fingers for every meal on top of your “healthy salad”.
You end up ordering takeout three times a week, and justify it because you are supporting local businesses. You figure if you’re having takeout, you might as well have a glass of wine and unwind for the night! IT’S OKAY THOUGH! WE ARE BOUND TO GO BACK TO NORMAL NEXT WEEK, RIGHT?? This cycle continues…..until today.
Now, let’s talk about the present. In Pennsylvania, we are in the “green phase”. We are able to go back to our favorite restaurants. Some of us are able to go back to work. Now, the gyms are opening back up, and boy oh boy even your favorite pair of workout leggings are feeling a little tight around the waist. Finally, you get the courage to get your butt on the treadmill. You were able to run an 8 minute mile before this all started, so you figure you’ll just pick up right where you left off! You quickly realize you’re wrong, get upset with yourself, and the cycle continues.
Sound familiar? Yeah, I know it all too well! I can compare these times to my first four years of college where I was on a roller coaster of weight gain and loss. My senior year brought on so much anxiety, I ended up gaining about 20 lbs. From the time I started college in 2013 to the time I finished in 2017, I had gained over 30 lbs. I have come to terms with the fact that I will never weigh as much as I weighed in 2013 at age 18, but I have been able to maintain my weight loss for about 3 years now! Most importantly, I feel good about myself and am comfortable in my own skin (most days, anyway lol).
Here are some Tips for getting back into the workout scene after a long couple of months!
Find what works for you! I am not a “gym rat”. To be perfectly honest, you won’t catch me in a group workout setting any time soon (social distancing queen). I have always preferred working out at home and doing what feels best for my body! If you are the same way, I highly recommend Beachbody on Demand and Peloton! Beachbody offers a 2 week free trial, and Peloton offers a 30 day free trial!
Go easy on yourself! If you are just getting back into it, don’t expect to be able to work out 7 days a week right off the bat! Start slow or you will end up burning out after the first day. Maybe try three days (Monday, Wednesday, Friday), and work yourself up to five days in the coming weeks.
Stretch and hydrate! Your muscles are going to be sore!! Don’t let that stop you from working out the rest of the week. Stretch yourself out and make sure you hydrate!
Take active recovery days! Listen to your body! Even if you need an active recovery day on day 2 of your journey, take it! Go for a walk outside and enjoy some fresh air. Do some beginner yoga if you need some lengthening and a full body stretch. (I recommend Peloton Yoga!)
Shake off the feelings of defeat! To quote one of my favorite Peloton instructors, Robin Arzon, “You are doing more than most people do all week just by being here”. You are a badass even if you are taking an active recovery day! Find a friend to celebrate (and commiserate) with! Heck, you can even contact me on instagram for support! I am here for you every step of the way, and I am so proud of anyone who puts in the effort to make a better and healthier life for themselves!
You’re ready, but only YOU can put in the effort and make a change. Progress slowly, and work your way to the best version of yourself! Remember that NOBODY has it all together...we are all human after all! :)
Be kind to yourself & have patience,
~Lex
Follow me:
Instagram: @chefs_kiss_lex
If you are considering purchasing a Peloton bike or tread use code 8AC385 for $100 towards accessories at purchase!
(Disclaimer: I am not affiliated with Peloton in any way...just a huge pelo-fan!)