5 Tips to Get Back Into Exercise After a Holiday
"Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!" The holiday season always seems to fly by. Two weeks off barely feels like enough time to rest before we’re thrown back into our usual work routine. But when it comes to exercise, those same two weeks feel like an eternity—making it even harder to start again. Workdays feel longer and more exhausting, and the last thing we want to do is add exercise to the mix.
I’m Bevan Chen, an Exercise Physiologist in Brisbane, and trust me—it’s not always easy to stay consistent with exercise, even in my profession! Like many of you, I struggle to get back into a routine after the holidays. But over the years, I’ve found five simple strategies that have helped me restart my workouts—and hopefully, they’ll help you too!
1. Schedule a Workout & Start Slow
"I’ll do it tomorrow." Sound familiar? The easiest thing to do is put it off—but the problem is, we almost never "find the right day" to start. So, set a start date (not in a month—sooner!). When you get to the gym, take it easy. Your strength, endurance, and fitness levels might not be where they were before the break, and that’s okay! Start with lighter weights and lower resistance to ease back in.
2. Do What You Enjoy
Not everyone loves exercise, but there’s probably one type you prefer over others. Start with that! Whether it’s lifting weights, swimming, yoga, or a simple walk—doing something you enjoy makes it much easier to stay consistent. Even if you stick with it for just a few weeks, it’s a great way to build momentum.
3. Prioritise Sleep
Jumping back into both work and exercise can leave you feeling drained. One of the best things you can do is get enough sleep. Try setting an alarm—not just to wake up, but to remind yourself to go to bed on time. And if you can, avoid those late-night phone-scrolling sessions!
4. It Doesn't Have to Be Perfect
Ever skipped a workout because it wasn’t going to be "perfect"? I know I have. But the truth is, any workout is better than none. Keep it simple—write down 4-5 exercises and just follow through, even if it’s shorter or doesn’t feel like your best session. The key is to just get moving.
5. Add More Rest Days
Your body might feel extra sore after a break, so don’t push too hard too soon. Give yourself extra rest days—an additional one or two per week can help you ease back in without burning out. Once you start feeling stronger, you can gradually increase your workout days.
Bonus Tip 1: Get Support from a Health Professional
Struggling to get back into it? Exercise Physiologists (like me!) are here to help. Even I sometimes need guidance from another professional to stay on track, and that’s nothing to be ashamed of! If you need expert advice or a structured plan, reach out and let us help you!
Bonus Tip 2: Try a Group Class
Exercising in a group setting can make it more fun and motivating. We run group exercise classes throughout the week to help you stay accountable and engaged. If you’re interested, just send us an email or give us a call to find out more!
At the end of the day, it’s about taking small steps, thinking less, and just getting started. Any movement is better than none! So, take it slow, enjoy the process, and welcome back to exercise. You've got this!
Need help getting started? Contact us today on 0435 996 668 or email bevan@roamhealthcare.com.au
