by Nadia Sinclair

[[A reflective image of a woman enjoying her toned figure in the mirror after following a consistent, well-balanced exercise routine.]

If you’re one of the go-getters who maximized lockdown as an opportunity to get fitter and healthier, you’ve probably lost a significant amount of weight. It’s crucial to remember, though, the journey does not end with weight loss. The bigger challenge lies in maintaining your achieved figure, especially now that everyday life slowly transitions back to drastically busier routines. You may ask: How can I stick to my fitness routine while adjusting back to the new normal? We’ve got you covered with these helpful tips to stay lean and toned post-lockdown.

1. Venture into New Forms of Exercise

Boost your commitment and interest by trying out an exercise class you’ve never explored before. Not only will it challenge your body to adapt, but it will also keep motivation high. Some classes that promote weight loss include intense cardio sessions, collective cycling, and circuit training.

2. Try High-Energy Workouts

Boxing and Boxercise offer multiple fitness benefits while pushing your limits with their fast-paced and highly demanding routines. Ideal switch from regular steady-state cardio, these routines significantly increase your heart rate, ensuring a good-burning sweat session.

3. Incorporate Yoga into Your Routine

Yoga isn’t just for flexibility; certain types can also burn extra calories. Fast-paced forms like Vinyasa, Ashtanga, and Power yoga are examples of this. Try a non-stop 90-minute class that uses your body weight for resistance and keeps your fat burn levels high.

4. Set New Goals

Maintaining weight loss can be a challenge without setting new fitness goals. Following your initial goal to lose weight, set secondary objectives to keep track of your progress. Set a fitness goal for three months ahead – run a 10k, participate in a race, or something else to keep your fitness levels up and stay in shape.

5. Turn Up the Heat

Increase the intensity of your workouts by keeping rest periods short and the pace moving. Try combining two or three exercises that work different muscle groups to enhance the efficiency of your training.

6. Train with a Fit Buddy

Working out with someone fitter or equally dedicated can increase your motivation. You might surprise yourself by pushing harder than you usually would in their presence.

7. Consider a Personal Trainer

While not everyone can afford a personal trainer, there are cost-effective options out there. A bi-weekly session, for example, could provide learning opportunities about making exercises more effective and maximizing your workouts.

8. Be Consistent with Your Workouts

Always commit to your exercise routine, barring illness or personal situations. If you’re not feeling up for it, persuade yourself to do at least a 20-minute workout. Chances are, once you start, you’ll want to continue.

9. Home is Your Gym

If you can’t make it to the gym, don’t take it as an excuse. Opt for bodyweight exercises like squats, lunges, press-ups, ab crunches, and step-ups on your home staircase to keep your routine going.

10. Step Out of Your Comfort Zone

Test your limits by trying workouts or activities you’re not too familiar with. Switching your usual routine with something unfamiliar results in more effort, which means burning more calories.

11. Revamp Your Exercise Routine Every Six Weeks

Variety is the spice of life, and also of fitness. Regularly changing your exercises or increasing their intensity ensures your body never gets too comfortable, resulting in consistent results.

12. Aim for Regularity over Intensity

Consistency is paramount in maintaining fitness. Three workouts every week consistently deliver better results than an intense week of exercise followed by weeks of inactivity. Stay consistent, and the results will continue to show up.

Remember, balance is key. Continue to make fitness a priority, while also taking the time to adjust back to your daily routines. Here’s to staying lean, toned, and fabulous!

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