9 Effective Tips for Regaining Motivation After Falling Off The Fitness Bandwagon

I had posted on social media a few weeks back about how important accountability was for me to stick with my prayer routine.  I talked about how I have an app that I listen to prayers & devotionals with.  Every time I finished my prayers a notification would pop up praising me for the number of days in a row I had said my prayers.  It was very motivating... for 60 days.  Then last weekend, I didn't do any of my prayers.  I lost my streak & I was more bummed than I care to admit.

I fell off the prayer bandwagon.  I stayed off for one more day.  And then I got back on.

I very easily could have said:

"F*** it.  Screw my prayer routine. I'm going to sleep in a little bit more.  I already have to start over so why not wait a little longer?"

But I didn't. And you don't have to either.

Sound familiar? Falling off the fitness bandwagon (or any bandwagon for that matter) can happen to the best of us. Whether due to a busy schedule, lack of motivation, or unexpected life events, taking a hiatus from your fitness routine is not uncommon. However, getting back on the fitness bandwagon can seem daunting. But don't worry... I got you!

Try any of these 9 effective tips to help you regain motivation and get back on that fitness bandwagon:

1. Reflect on Your Why: Take some time to reflect on why you started your fitness journey in the first place. Reconnect with your original motivations can reignite your passion and remind you of the benefits of leading an active lifestyle.
2. Start Small: Don't overwhelm yourself by trying to jump back on the bandwagon and go 100mph. Start small by setting achievable goals and gradually increasing the intensity and duration of your workouts as you regain momentum.
3. Find an Accountability Partner: Enlist the support of a friend, family member, or workout buddy to hold you accountable and provide encouragement as you get back up. Having someone to share your progress and setbacks with can make the process feel less daunting.
4. Mix It Up: If you quit fitness due to boredom or lack of excitement, consider trying new activities or exercise routines to mix it up. Experiment with different types of workouts, such as yoga, dance classes, or outdoor activities, to keep things fresh and enjoyable.
5. Schedule Your Workouts: Treat your workouts like important appointments by scheduling them into your calendar. Setting aside dedicated time for exercise can help you prioritize fitness and establish a consistent routine.
6. Set Realistic Goals: Set realistic and achievable fitness goals that align with your current fitness level and lifestyle. Break larger goals into smaller, manageable milestones to track your progress and celebrate your achievements along the way.  Check out the blog post I wrote about setting fitness goals.
7. Focus on the Benefits: Remind yourself of the countless benefits of regular exercise, including improved mood, increased energy levels, and better overall health. Keeping the positive outcomes of fitness in mind can help motivate you to lace up your sneakers and get moving.
8. Be Kind to Yourself: Avoid dwelling on past setbacks or feeling guilty for falling off the bandwagon. Practice self-compassion and treat yourself with kindness as you work towards hopping back on the bandwagon.

   9. Celebrate Your Progress: Celebrate even the smallest victories and milestones as you get back up. Whether it's completing a workout, hitting a new personal best, or simply showing up consistently, acknowledge and celebrate your progress as you work towards your goals.

Let's get you back on the fitness bandwagon! I'm curious... share the tip you are most excited to try in the comments below!