Keep on moving!
How To Keep a Workout Routine During a Move
We all know transition is hard, and even harder to stay healthy during a move. Here are a few tips on how to start a fitness routine quickly when moving to a new place without losing the hard work of a prior fitness lifestyle. As a physical therapist I am an advocate for fitness no matter what that looks like for an individual. If going for a walk is the simplest form of staying active, take that for a win and continue to work towards goals. Here are a few simple things to do prior to moving that can keep the healthy routine in between unpacking a garage full of boxes.
1) Do Your Research:
Know what type of workout works best. Is it yoga, group classes, run or play pickleball? Before moving, find these places BEFORE the move. Do some research, look at schedules and don’t be afraid to reach out to these places prior to coming. Information about free trials, class times or when a running group/pick-up game happens, allows for marking it on the calendar before the move even happens. Make sure to discuss with a spouse/partner that fitness and health is a priority in the upcoming few couple weeks for the family support.
Know what type of workout works best. Is it yoga, group classes, run or play pickleball? Before moving, find these places BEFORE the move. Do some research, look at schedules and don’t be afraid to reach out to these places prior to coming. Information about free trials, class times or when a running group/pick-up game happens, allows for marking it on the calendar before the move even happens. Make sure to discuss with a spouse/partner that fitness and health is a priority in the upcoming few couple weeks for the family support.
2) Start in the First 5-10 Days:
The key is do a class/run/fitness activity EARLY in a new location. Habits take time to start, and if put off, could take months to return to the pre-move fitness regiment. Working out and fitness routines are always a great way to connect with your community, make friends, and feel connected. If the research is done, put a class, running group meet-up, or gym consult on the calendar BEFORE even moving, this saves its place in the transition.
The key is do a class/run/fitness activity EARLY in a new location. Habits take time to start, and if put off, could take months to return to the pre-move fitness regiment. Working out and fitness routines are always a great way to connect with your community, make friends, and feel connected. If the research is done, put a class, running group meet-up, or gym consult on the calendar BEFORE even moving, this saves its place in the transition.
3) Be Realistic and Kind to Yourself:
Setting realistic goals during this time is important. Being active twice a week is a win, treat it as such. Hoping to work out five days week one is unrealistic. This could lead to discouragement and not starting a new routine at all. Prioritize two days a week, put it on the calendar, even if tired, the house is chaos, etc. The house will get unpacked, the internet will get set up, and the home will get decorated in time. Starting healthy routines early is paramount to success. Don’t forget about the basics of drinking water, sleeping 8 hours, self-care and EATING healthy.
Setting realistic goals during this time is important. Being active twice a week is a win, treat it as such. Hoping to work out five days week one is unrealistic. This could lead to discouragement and not starting a new routine at all. Prioritize two days a week, put it on the calendar, even if tired, the house is chaos, etc. The house will get unpacked, the internet will get set up, and the home will get decorated in time. Starting healthy routines early is paramount to success. Don’t forget about the basics of drinking water, sleeping 8 hours, self-care and EATING healthy.
4) Find a buddy: Most people moving know someone or have a community to reach out to prior to the move. If there is an opportunity to set a time with a friend, family member or potential neighbor, this creates accountability. Accountability will encourage the start of the healthy habit early in a place. Feeling healthy and settled in a new place creates a better sense of self, wellness and accomplishment. This also gives a great opportunity to be shown around to the best places by a local!
Use these 4 things to help set up a successful fitness routine during a move. The underlying theme here is planning, accountability, redefining success for a few weeks and not forgetting about the basic health principles.
As a health care provider, I see the value in healthy lifestyles, prevention and exercise. At MaxStrength Fitness our target audience is the active aging adult, the busy professional, and people needing accountability. We offer one-on-one personal training 2x/week in 20 mins. Although we are not the correct option for everyone, we love to help anyone!