Rediscover Your Fitness Passion

How to fall in love with exercise again!

Losing Interest in Fitness

Life has a way of throwing curve balls at us, especially during significant transitions. For many, this might involve buying a new house, starting a new job, experiencing a breakup, dealing with teenage challenges, mourning the loss of a loved one, or recovering from an injury. Each of these events can disrupt our routines and lead to a gradual decline in physical activity. As a midlife mum, these changes don’t just affect me but ripple through my entire family, altering everyone’s routines and demands.

Since my children were born, I’ve tried to maintain routines and structure. Research suggests that routines are beneficial for children, promoting a sense of security and stability which can positively impact their behaviour and development. However, any significant change can disrupt this balance, forcing you to juggle new logistics while ensuring your family adapts smoothly.

In these moments, something often has to give, and more often than not, it’s our own needs. Studies have shown that mothers frequently sacrifice their personal time and needs for the sake of their families. For me, a big change meant focusing on logistics, continuing to work full-time, and being present for my kids, which resulted in my exercise routine falling by the wayside.

The Negative Effects of a Sedentary Lifestyle

Once the dust settles, you might struggle to reestablish your exercise routine. This struggle is compounded by the negative effects of a sedentary lifestyle, which can include weight gain, decreased energy levels, higher stress, and poorer sleep quality. For someone who has always identified as a regular exerciser, this loss can feel particularly profound.

Exercise has always been a cornerstone of my identity — it makes me happy and healthy, reduces stress, and helps me sleep well. During times of significant change or stress, exercise should be a priority, yet balancing the needs of the many over the needs of the one often results in its neglect. This self-sabotaging behavior — knowing what’s good for us but failing to act — can lead to a vicious cycle of inactivity and increased stress.

How to Fall in Love with Exercise Again

Now that the big change has settled, it’s time to rediscover your fitness passion and fall in love with exercise again. Here are some steps to help you get back on track:

Set Realistic Goals

Start with small, achievable goals to build momentum. For me, I tell myself I will go for a 20-minute jog… but I typically return 40–50 minutes later as a much happier, more vibrant, and positive version of myself with small. Set a target of 2–3 days a week. These small steps can lead to significant progress, gradually transforming your routine and creating lasting positive changes.

Find Your Why

Reflect on why exercise is important to you. Is it for better health, stress relief, or to feel more energetic? Keeping your motivation in mind can help you stay committed. For me, when the alarm goes off at 5 am, I remind myself why I need to get up as I quickly get out of bed before my voice of sabotage starts suggesting it’s better to stay in bed. Using a mantra or positive affirmation can be a powerful tool to overcome this inner resistance. Repeating a motivating phrase can help shift your mindset and get you moving.

Join a Fitness Community

Being part of a supportive fitness community can significantly enhance your motivation and accountability. Research has shown that a sense of belonging to a community can improve exercise adherence and overall well-being. For me, meeting up with someone for a workout not only provides the accountability I need, but also fosters a positive and encouraging environment. I am fortunate to be part of an amazing fitness community that is both motivating and kind. Working out with them makes me happier, more driven, and an overall better human being.

Schedule Your Workouts

While blocking out time in your calendar works for many, it might not be effective for everyone. Meeting up with a friend or joining a class can help you stick to your routine due to the added accountability. For me, having a set plan with a workout buddy or attending a class provides the structure and motivation I need to stay consistent. When I’m tempted to skip a session, I use a mantra or positive affirmation to refocus and push through my excuses. I can be very convincing with reasons for not making it, so these mental tools are crucial in overcoming inner resistance and maintaining commitment.

Mix It Up

Variety can keep your workouts interesting. Try new activities, join different classes, or switch up your routine to keep things exciting. But also make sure to include the activities you love. If running is your passion, make it a regular part of your routine. Remember, a workout doesn’t have to be a 10km run or a 60-minute Cross-Fit class; it can be any type of physical activity that you enjoy with family and friends. We have a set routine for surfing: every Sunday, regardless of the conditions — except in cases of cyclones or closed beaches, of course. This has become a new routine we all look forward to and enjoy.

Look Forward, Not Backward

Focusing on past setbacks can be discouraging and counterproductive. It’s essential to look forward and concentrate on your future goals. Dwelling on what you didn’t do can negatively impact your motivation and self-esteem. Remember, we all have setbacks. The key is to learn from them and move forward.

Rediscovering your fitness passion isn’t just about getting back into shape; it’s about reclaiming a part of yourself that brings joy, health, and balance. As you embark on this journey, remember that taking care of yourself will make you a better mum and a happier, healthier you.

What challenges have you faced in maintaining your fitness routine, and what strategies have you found effective in overcoming them? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below — we can all learn from each other and stay motivated together!