How To Get Back In Shape (If It’s Been A While)

Be Realistic

Remember motivation is a temporary swell. Yes, you need it to get you off the starting block, but motivation alone can’t dictate your actions and thoughts for long enough until they themselves become a habit. Therefore, you need stronger reasons for change. Make the process of falling into a new routine as easy and realistic as possible by checking you’re starting a plan that is sustainable and something you can progress at – progression is hugely motivating you’ll need that to keep you going.

Know Your 'Why's

It’s too easy to jump on the next fitness trend and not really think about why it is you want to change. Aesthetics do matter, so having a visual with a beach involved may help – but try to think about the ways your day to day life are impacted hugely. Imagine being the more energetic, positive, pro-active, confident version of yourself. Focus your excitement there – in the day-to-day habit – and the body will be the side effect.

Ease Yourself In

Start by simply moving more daily, this alone will help you ease into an energetic life and wake up that part of you that actually wants to move. Even if it’s going for a walk or doing a few mobility stretches in your living room to start, you will stop thinking about exercise as a burden and remind yourself there is an active person inside of you.

Get Kitted Out

This is partly practical and partly about putting a swagger in your step. Anything badly fitting that makes your heart sink a bit, give to charity. You need very little kit to begin exercising so no need to spend a fortune, but I think it’s important you wear clothing that is fitted and makes you feel good. That alone is motivation in itself.