There's no denying that working out in the Winter is tough - especially when you're all cosy and comfortable inside. Not to mention, we're all feeling pretty exhausted after a very up and down year.
As 2021 comes to a close, there are a multitude of reasons why you might be feeling a little unmotivated with exercise. Discover some of the main culprits for workout funk at the moment and how to overcome them -
- Global Health Anxiety
Even though we are now 8 months out of the last lockdown there is still a lot of uncertainty in the air. We are still having to question everything that we do and over time this can become exhausting. No wonder you might not have the mental energy to think about exercise.
Conquer it - If you start to feel overwhelmed with what's going on around you remember that the gym is not just about reaching physical maximums, it's also about maintaining a healthy mind. Even a short walk or jog on the treadmill can help to ease stress and anxiety. Alternatively, join one of our Online Classes from the comfort of your own home on Instagram.
- Impatience
Lockdown certainly took a toll on our aerobic capacity and strength - and even though gyms have been open for a few months now, you might still not be back to where you were pre-pandemic. And that's ok! It's going to take time, it's going to take consistency, and eventually, you will get there.
Conquer it - Try to monitor your gym success in different ways. Instead of beating yourself up for not being able to lift as much, run as far, or squat as low - use frequency, variation, and enjoyment of your workout to monitor your gym success.
- The Novelty Has Worn Off
After the re-opening in April, motivation and drive to get back to fitness was at an all-time high. Now, a few months down the line, it's natural for the novelty to wear off. Starting a workout routine is the easy part, it's sticking with it that takes work!
Conquer it - If you can make it through the next few weeks when it's most difficult to keep on track, you're more likely to stick with it in the new year. Instead of stopping completely, set yourself an achievable goal such as doing 1 gym session a week, or even just making sure to move your body and stretch. You can then add to this baseline when the exercise buzz comes back!
- Burnout
Maybe you upped your workout routine during lockdown and have kept it up this year. Or maybe you lost fitness completely and then went extra hard when gyms started to reopen. Either way, your body is probably screaming at you for proper rest.
Over the past two years, we have had little opportunity to take advantage of natural breaks in routine that come with things like holidays - and these are necessary to make sure your body and mind receive the rest and care they need.
Conquer it - Listen to your body. If you feel like every workout is a struggle, you might need a break or a few low-impact workouts to give your body the reset it needs to make proper progress in the new year. Start out fresh and your body with thank you!
Here's to feeling fitter, healthier, and happier in 2022!
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