Tips on Getting Back into Shape

The day has finally come. You can step back on the field and get to work again. However, five minutes into your run, your heart pounds through your chest feeling like it will explode at any second. Your breathing grows louder and louder as you huff and puff with each step. Getting back into shape is never fun and definitely never easy. These tips will help you stay motivated and even make the journey a little less painful.

• Try new locations: Running in circles around a track day after day becomes monotonous. Change up where you run whether it’s a park, beach, neighborhood, or even a treadmill. A beautiful bike trail in the woods or a path along the river adds a whole new element to your run. It helps keep your mind off of the exhaustion in your legs and pull your eyes off of the timer on your phone.
• Mix up your cardio: Sign up for a spin class at a local gym. Jump in a pool and do some laps. If you’re feeling even more adventurous, try out kickboxing. Not only are new workouts exciting, but they also fire different muscles in your body than running. 
• Blast your music: Never leave your house without your headphones. Turn up your favorite song. Let it drown out your thoughts and more importantly, your huffing and puffing.
• Keep a schedule: It is even easier to blow off a workout or snooze your alarm when you are feeling sore and defeated. Keeping a schedule of your workouts helps you stay on track. It will even make you feel guiltier when you blow off a bike ride for an extra hour in bed. 
• Pick up the weights: A huge part of getting in shape comes from building muscle. While cardio helps tone, it doesn’t compare to the benefits of weight lifting. A stronger body is a healthier one. Head to the gym and don’t be afraid to do some squats and presses. 

I know, a large pizza in bed with Netflix sounds way better than the painful struggle of getting back into shape. Try out some of these tips and see what works for you. A few months from now, you’ll be glad you stuck with it.