Thoughts On Getting Back Into Shape

Inspired by some discussion over in our forum I decided to lay out some thoughts for those of you who might have gotten a little too busy to dedicate time to fitness.  I get it, life happens and if fitness isn’t a priority is ends up getting pushed aside so that other “things” can get accomplished.  1 week without working out turns into 2, and then a month, and then 6 months and then the “I gotta start working out again” comment while crushing a large pizza on Friday night takes place.

Developing the Mindset

I truly believe that in order to be successful at staying fit you have to develop the mindset that it’s a lifestyle.  Fitness isn’t something that you do when you have time, or right after the new year to drop 5 lbs, or when you have a workout buddy.  Fitness is something you LIVE, regardless of the circumstances in which you find yourself.  If you approach working out in this manner you’ll MAKE TIME to stay fit and push other, non-essential things aside.  Or if everything still must be accomplished you’ll wake up earlier or go to bed later in order to get it done.  At one point in my life I was working full time, attending college full time in the evenings and still dedicating time to my family….and I still made time to workout.  I remember for years my routine had me in the gym from 11pm to 12am 4 to 5 nights a week.  No excuse!

One Size DOESN’T Fit All

I like to run a little bit, do functional and traditional workouts and it works well for me.  Once or twice a week I’ll go heavy in our training facility and the other times I’ll be engaged in some sort of circuit type event.  I refuse to join a Xfit facility and can’t stand to be around those who think it’s some sort of cult.  They can keep their headbands, fish oil and beards.  Not saying it’s easy, just saying it isn’t for me.  The same should hold true for you, whatever you feel gives you the best cardio or muscular strength pump (read: you enjoy it and it works) is what you should do.  Try different things to see what you like and then go for it.  It becomes much easier to stick with a routine over months and years if you are enjoying yourself.  Just because Joe Blow does 1,000 box jumps followed by 5,000 burpees doesn’t mean that’s the road to success for you.

Set Reasonable GOALS

You haven’t lifted anything heavier than a cheeseburger in 3 years and you can’t run to your car without wanting to puke, maybe scheduling a 5k 2 weeks after you start working out again isn’t the smartest idea.  Trying to do too much too soon can lead to injury and can be very discouraging.  Just because Fabio is doing dumbbell bench with the 125’s doesn’t mean that you should focus on attempting to replicate that in a few months.

Stay OFF the Scale

Weighing yourself daily can get depressing, AND I believe in most instances it truly is how you look and fit into your clothes vs what the numbers on the scale read.  If you insist on stepping on the scale, do it once every two weeks or so.

What is your End State?

Do you want to be in better shape overall with equal parts cardio and muscular strength / endurance?  Do you want to be able to shoulder 75lbs and walk for 30 miles without breaking a sweat?  Do you want massive muscles and the ability to impress chicks in your t shirt?  Is finishing a marathon your goal?  Whatever it is that you want to do start with the end in mind so that you can develop your workout plan accordingly.  Why train with someone who specializes in long distance running when massive strength and power is your goal?