Getting back into the habit of exercise

I just finished my 3rd 6day a week training cycle without actually planning it or even realizing until now. It just always amazes me how quickly my mindset changes when it comes to exercise. I say this because after studying and holidaying in NY for 2 weeks followed by 3 hectic weeks of moving house i really neglected my training. I often do this during and briefly after a holiday. I dont like to feel like i need to train when im away and make sure I instead train and eat well leading up to a holiday so i can have some guilt free pleasure! The odd run and stretch is fun but i dont want to feel like i "have to train".

The danger is after these periods (usually 2 x year) i always go through a mental slump where i feel like i may never get the motivation to train regularly again. This period always makes me empathize with clients and friends who often feel like this (because normally i cant fathom why you wouldnt want to train!). The fact is, when you dont exercise you just dont feel great, which will lead to you making a poor decision. As humans we really need to get the "blood pumping" through our bodies on a daily basis, which stimulates and rejuvenates all our cells- even the ones in our head!

I always say its easy to stay motivated to train when you make it a habit- I personally cant train 2-3x week.  Doing nothing for 3 days and then going and belting out a session is not only hard to mentally prepare for, but, can often lead to injuries.

As I mentioned, I go through a slump 1-2x a year......... I find I can now change my attitude from "not sure if I can get back to regular exercise" TO "I cant imagine not exercising nearly everyday- i need this!" after about 7days of forcing myself to get to the gym..

I do this by making sure I train everyday for 6 days in a row. I dont even care what I do. As long as its at least 30minutes. I take a "train dont drain" approach to my training regime in nearly all phases of my training. I train hard but I leave the gym feeling energized not drained. I dont mind muscle pain but wont allow any joint pain or pain around my spine. I stop an exercise immediately upon losing form. The only time I dont do this is if i am training for endurance in my boxing or intensive running session (this is because there may be a need in my life to fight or run to the death....... i cant ever imagine squatting or bench pressing to the death!!).

Anyway, after this 6days on I take a day off, by Monday I am ready to go again and usually cant keep myself out of the gym. The reason is because I love the way exercise makes me feel- I have never regretted doing a training session- the problem is, I forget about this when im not doing it!!!

Not everyone will change their mindset in 7 days, depends on experience and other factors; they say it takes 20days to make or break a habit. Everyone is different, I have learnt this after training hundreds of people. What i have found is that there are a few common points that determine whether people will form a healthy exercise habit:

• They have a goal and know how to use it to motivate themselves
• They are confident in their exercise program
• They train more frequently (hard to form a 2day a week habit)
• They have support from family friends (better still, exercise with someone else)

A bit of a long-winded blog but I find it really interesting...... I have seen people completely change their lives in 2 weeks! The lesson i have learnt is just to take it one day at a time, thinking i have to train 6days a week for the rest of my life sounds overwhelming- the fact is though, doing it is easy.

If anyone is suffering from the no-training blues (this is a physiological and mental issue!) just plan the next week and get out and exercise on everyday you plan to- worry about next week next week! When you walk out of the gym, boxing ring or park remember that feeling and use it do help get you out of the door tomorrow

Yours in good health,

Nathan

www.tokyo-fitness.com