Thank you to Finish Line for sponsoring this post. As always all opinions and thoughts are my own.

With the New Year around the corner I can guess that many people will be setting themselves up to get back in shape! It’s 100% okay if, right now, you get winded from going up the stairs or 5 push ups feels impossible. Our bodies are strong and trainable and if you haven’t trained in months or years it’s okay, you’ll get there. It can be totally intimidating to remember how fit we were years ago, or how long it’s been since we were truly active but trust me after two weeks you’ll notice the difference and you’ll be well on your way to making a habit that sticks!

Tip 1: Set Realistic Goals

This applies to anyone whether you’re just starting, re-starting or already ‘in shape’. If we don’t set realistic goals we are setting ourselves up for failure. You don’t have to workout 7 days a week to get in shape, in fact I would say consistently working out 3 times per week can provide great results. I like to set SMART goals – Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Timely. For example, a goal might be to “Take 4 boxing classes and 1 yoga class weekly with the rest days or off days being on Fridays and Sundays”. Writing SMART goals like this ensures that you know what you need to do every single week! I encourage you to write down the goal on paper!

Tip 2: Realize That Getting in Shape Takes Time

That first workout back might really suck. Or even worse, the first workout is great and the ones after that suck. You might experience either. Sometimes the adrenaline is pumping for that ‘first workout back’ and you absolutely kill it, but two days later when you’re back at the gym your body hurts, you’re exhausted etc. etc. it’s OK–it will get better. Realistically after that first weight lifting session you’re going to be VERY sore. I’m talking too sore to walk, move or sit on the toilet LOL. That’s your muscles getting stronger!  And during that first cardio session you’ll probably feel like dying, burning lungs, burning muscles, cramps, heavy breathing.. I’m not going to sugar coat it, it sucks and it’s hard! But do I think you can push through those first 2 weeks and feel WAY better and WAY strong after? 100% YES!

Tip 3: Instead of Thinking About How Far You Have To Go, Remind Yourself How Far You’ve Come

You made the commitment to renew your gym membership, you put your gym clothes on and got to the gym, even if it was just once or one more time than normal, you did it! Every single workout, even the bad ones COUNT and they are all better than no workout at all. Continue to forgive yourself for the food you wished you didn’t eat, the workouts you should’ve done and blah blah blah blah blah. It’s all in the past, we are in the present, putting in the work TODAY and that’s something worth recognizing!

Tip 4: Set Yourself Up for Success With a Little Incentive

There are tons of ways to incentivize yourself into working out. Ideas like putting a dollar into a jar after every workout and treating yourself to a new gym outfit or a meal out once it hits $100. You can create a calendar that you stick on the fridge and ‘X’ out the days you worked out. Set a goal for the number or workouts you want to do and then watch the calendar fill up! And my favorite incentive, buying myself a new pair of sneakers! FinishLine.com has tons of brands to choose from. I thought it was about time I grabbed a pair of Adidas UltraBOOST and let me tell you the second they arrived at the door from Finish Line I was itching to get them on and head to the gym! These UltraBOOST are so comfortable and I love wearing them for weight lifting, the stairmaster, and even running errands. This white-grey color is also the perfect neutral that won’t get dirty like a pure white!

Tip 5: Make Yourself and Your Workouts a Priority

Treat your workouts as you time, going to the gym isn’t a selfish act! Even though it makes you feel really good you might think it is 😉 . It’s okay to put your workout ahead of answering work emails after hours, it’s okay to get up early, leave the kids sleeping and get in a workout even if they have to make themselves breakfast in the morning, it’s okay to spend money on fitness classes you love! You’re doing this for you to feel better so own it. Each week my main priorities are my health, my work, and my time with Stephen (and Fritz hehe). If I end up having time for other things that week then great but if not it’s just the way it is. I used to feel guilty for not making time for other things or people but I just realize that I can’t do it all. I have to make myself a priority to a certain extent and know what I need to do for my mental and physical health.

Tip 6: No matter how many times you fall off the wagon, miss your goals or veer away from your resolutions there is always a chance to start again tomorrow.

Getting back in shape is a great great great goal! But inevitably life will get in the way. All you have to do is keep pushing on, get that vision back in your head, build up the motivation and get back on track even if 1 week or 6 months goes by.

Alright guys, I’m strapping my new sneakers from Finish Line back on and going to get in a quick arms workout! The first weeks back after a break are always the hardest but it gets better after each workout! We got this!!

So renew your gym membership, pick up a new pair of sneakers from Finish Line and go crush your goals!