So the kids are back at school and you are feeling sort of organised after the chaos of holidays and back to school.

You’re back into routine of school drop offs, pick ups and taxiing around to sport, dance, music … but you just aren’t back into your exercise routine.  You’ve tried right? A quick walk here, even a group class but you’re just not there yet.

Don’t fear .. here are my favourite tips to getting you back into your exercise routine!

Start with the basics … so last year you were training 4 / 5 days each week.  Weight training, walking, running, fitness groups.  You let it slide a bit over the holidays and you think you’re just not going to be able to get back to where you were.  Then start small … no 5km runs on the first day ( unless you are a super hero! ) … start off alternating your running with a bit of walking.  It’s better on your body anyway when you are out of routine!  Instead of an hours walk, start off with 20 – 30 minutes.  You will be surprised at how great you feel and will want to increase in no time!

Set a specific “appointment” time with yourself … I know, it’s a bit cliché but it works!  After you drop the kids at school instead of heading home, head to the local walking track and get it over and done with.  You will be able to clear your head after the morning school rush and start the rest of your day fresh.  Or, if you have to drive to school to get the kids, go a half hour earlier and do a lap or 3 around the block before you get them and it’s done!  If you are working out at time, set that time, turn the music up and get on with it!  Home workouts can be so good and the bonus is you don’t have to go anywhere!! Here’s a 20  minute workout that you can do at home.

Commit to x number of workouts per week … At the beginning of the week plan your diary.  How many workouts can you fit in between other commitments?  Commit to at least 3 workouts this week and by the end of the week you will feel that accomplishment for making it work!

Reward yourself for achieving goal for the week … it doesn’t have to be anything luxurious like a new outfit or a massage or facial.  It can be as simple as a some quiet time for yourself in the bath ( ok, so that’s stretching it! ) or a sneaky piece of chocolate or glass of wine.  Not a block or a bottle, just a little treat!

Get a workout partner … this one’s a handy way to get you moving.  There’s someone else relying on you or meeting you down the street, or at the gym.   Even when you don’t feel the urge, you don’t want to let your workout partner down … and who couldn’t use the chat!

I know, it’s hard to start, you don’t feel like it, there’s just so many other things you could / should be doing.  But what about doing that one thing for yourself?  You might not feel like it but I can assure you that you will feel much better for getting out there and going for it!  Sometimes when I squeeze in a workout on those days when I’m running around like a crazy woman I feel so much more organised, weird I know right!

What are your favourite tips for getting back into your exercise routine?