5 Ways to Restart Exercise After the Holidays
By Bevan Chen
“Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!” This sentiment always seems to fly by. The roughly two-week holiday barely feels like enough time to rest, and then we’re thrust back into our usual working routines. Yet when it comes to exercise, those same two weeks can feel like an eternity, and restarting a routine seems almost impossible. Workdays feel longer and more tiring, and the last thing we want to do is add exercise to the mix.
My name is Bevan Chen, an Exercise Physiologist here at the Institute of Sports and Spines. You might think that with my job, maintaining a consistent exercise routine would be easy. But, like everyone else, I face challenges in keeping a routine, especially after the holiday season. Here are the top 5 strategies that have worked for me to restart exercising, and I hope they’ll help you too.
1. Schedule a Workout and Start Slow
“I’ll do it tomorrow.” Sound familiar? We’ve all been guilty of this. The problem is that tomorrow often turns into never. The first step is to schedule a start date. (And no, it can’t be a month from now!) Once you’re in the gym, take it easy. Your weights, repetitions, and overall endurance might not be what they used to be, and that’s okay. Starting with lighter weights and lower resistances will ease you back into the swing of things.
2. Do What You Enjoy
Choose an activity you genuinely enjoy. If no exercise feels enjoyable, pick the one you dislike the least. Starting with something you prefer will make it easier to get going. Even if you stick to that activity for a week, a month, or longer, it’s a great way to rebuild your routine.
3. Prioritize Sleep
Adding exercise back into your life after the holidays will likely leave you feeling more tired than usual. Make sure you’re getting enough sleep to recover. Set a bedtime alarm if needed and try to avoid late-night scrolling on your phone. Proper rest will help your body and mind adjust to the new routine.
4. It Doesn’t Need to Be Perfect
Many of us fall into the trap of perfectionism: “If it’s not going to be a perfect workout, why bother?” The truth is, any workout is better than none. Keep it simple. Plan 4-5 exercises and follow through, even if it doesn’t feel like the best session. A shorter or less intense workout is still a step in the right direction.
5. Add More Rest Days
Don’t hesitate to include extra rest days in your weekly routine. Start with 1-2 additional days off to allow your body to recover from post-holiday soreness. As you rebuild strength and endurance, you can gradually reduce rest days.
Bonus Tip #1: Seek Professional Guidance
As an Exercise Physiologist, I know the value of guidance. If you’re struggling to restart, consider consulting a health professional. Even I sometimes need help from colleagues to get back on track. Feel free to ask me or any member of our team for advice.
Bonus Tip #2: Join a Group Class
Group classes can make exercise more engaging and help keep you accountable. Here at the Institute of Sports and Spines, we offer group classes throughout the week. They’re a fun way to stay motivated and consistent. Contact our receptionist for more details about schedules and availability.
Final Thoughts
Restarting exercise after the holidays doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Take it easy, think less, and just get started. Remember, any exercise is better than none. Good luck and happy exercising!
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