The Daily Balance

Well ladies and gentleman, it’s time to get serious. Yes, after our NYC cupcake and za escapades, the Mister and I have come back to reality. Vacation is over. While we did manage to hit the gym at our hotel (before we stayed with our friend) and at our friend’s college campus, we certainly weren’t getting in the same workouts we normally do at home.

That being said, I’ve decided to put a list together on how to get back on track at the gym after a vacation or a few days off.

1.) Pack your gym bag

It may seem simple, but the small task of getting your workout gear together and putting it in a bag is the first step in falling back into your old routine. Before your vacation, you would pack up your gym bag each day and your mind and body would almost be on auto-pilot, knowing you’d be at the gym. By packing your gym bag, your mind will be ready for the gym.

2.) Make plans

Make plans to meet someone else (mom, spouse, dad, brother, friend, etc.) at the gym or running trail. They’ll hold you accountable.

3.) Write it down

Just as Jillian Michaels explains the importance of writing down goals, the same principle applies here. When you write something down, you are more likely to follow through. In addition, writing down your workout will provide you with the focus you need to concentrate and get back into your routine.

4.) Ask the experts

Make an appointment with one of your gym’s personal trainers. Remember how excited you were when you first started working out? Remember how cool it was to learn different exercises for each muscle group? Schedule a session with a personal trainer to introduce new exercises and challenge you even further. You’ll have renewed motivation and will break out of your old routine.

5.) SMILE

DON’T get discouraged. You did it before and you can do it again. You just have to get your mind and body on the same page. Think about all the positive elements that exercise brings to your life – a sense of accomplishment, endorphins, renewed energy, strength, the list goes on and on. Focus on the positives and your body will crave exercise even more, which in turn will help you get back on track!

We can do it! (image credit: www.historyimages.com)

How do you get back on track after a week away from the gym?

11 Responses to “Work it – How to get back on track at the gym”

1. K said:

   Great tips!! I think having a ‘gym date’ with a friend is a good one – that way you really can’t not go

   Posted on June 17, 2009 at 9:34 am | Reply
2. Jenny said:

   love the gyms .. though i don’t hit up the gym because i am a slave to at home workout videos.. i know if i did inviting a friend to come with me would definitely make me more accountable!

   Posted on June 17, 2009 at 10:30 am | Reply
3. Carolina John said:

   i’ll have to tell you next week. actually, i think i’m going to run a couple of miles tomorrow night. it’s all planning. usually planning for my next race. Set a goal!

   Posted on June 17, 2009 at 10:35 am | Reply
4. Erin said:

   Great tips!! I really do think packing a gym bag and having gym clothes picked out a head of time helps with no excuses get to the gym!

   Posted on June 17, 2009 at 10:44 am | Reply
5. brandi said:

   great tips! My hardest thing right now is we had to quit our gym membership because we don’t have the money, so it’s hard to make myself do anything lately with the crappy weather we’ve been having! I did do a yoga download last night and it was fabulous.

   Posted on June 17, 2009 at 11:01 am | Reply
6. Sagan said:

   The simple act of laying out my gym clothes the night before is super helpful. I also make my lunch the night before and write down what I plan on eating for breakfast tomorrow so that my nutrition stays on track, too.

   Posted on June 17, 2009 at 11:04 am | Reply
7. kirwin said:

   Since I’ve just gotten back to the gym this week, I can totally relate to this post. (My aching muscles can, too.)

   My piece of advice is this: If you’re dreading it that much, promise yourself that you only have to do 10 minutes. or 5! If you’re still hating life, you can go home.

   Chances are, once you’re there, you’ll get into it and you won’t want to leave. From personal experience, just motivating myself to get out the door is the hardest part.

   Posted on June 17, 2009 at 11:52 am | Reply
8. Lydia said:

   How did you know this is what I’ve been struggling with for, oh, the last three weeks!?!?!?! Thanks for the encouragement!

   Posted on June 17, 2009 at 11:59 am | Reply
9. Quinn said:

   Great motivational tips! I’m off to the gym right now

   Posted on June 17, 2009 at 4:38 pm | Reply
10. Lynn (Actors Diet) said:

    I get a really good magazine and only allow myself to read it at the gym.

    Posted on June 17, 2009 at 7:30 pm | Reply
11. thedailybalance said:

    great tips, everyone! glad I could provide some encouragement

    Posted on June 18, 2009 at 6:07 pm | Reply