PSA: If your relationship with fitness hasn’t exactly been working out—you’re not alone. Maybe a big life change has reshuffled your priorities (goodbye, self-care and me-time), or maybe you’re still showing up, but feeling off and not getting the results you want.
Either way, “finding yourself in a fitness funk from time to time is totally normal,” says obé instructor and certified health coach Kat B. More importantly, getting back on the bandwagon isn’t a lost cause.
To help rekindle your (fitness) flame, we rounded up some of the best tips from our obé pros on how to recommit—and start looking forward—to your fitness routine.
Tip 1: Easy Does It
The number-one rule of thumb: Start slow. If you took a month off, coming in hot with a Power hour or fast-paced HIIT likely won’t leave you feeling like a success (even if you’ve crushed them before). In fact, studies show your physical fitness noticeably declines after taking as little as two weeks off, regardless of your level.
“Your body will need an adjustment period to moving and working out again,” says Sarah G., so don’t force it. Try starting with a stretch, dynamic warmup, or gentle yoga flow—just indulging in some feel-good movement will likely fire up your motivation!
Then, if you’re ready for more, go for Pilates, Barre, Sculpt, or Yoga Sculpt. “A lower impact and slower-paced workout will invite you to come back for more rather than feeling too sore the next day. Plus, it still packs a punch and a great sweat,” says Sarah.
Tip 2: Express Fitness Classes Are Your Friend
Especially if it’s been a minute since your last sweat sesh, go for snack-sized workouts instead of intimidating 60-minute long hauls. As you settle back into consistency, what matters most is that you’re setting and meeting realistic goals. And, our obé members agree: Express classes are one of the best hacks for getting out of your funk.
“obé has a plethora of 10-minute Express classes, perfect for easing back into any type of exercise you like, whether that’s Pilates, Barre, Sculpt, HIIT, or something with a specific muscle focus, like core work,” says Barre and Sculpt instructor Katherine M.
Start by committing to just one 10-minute workout a day. Then, stack a few à la carte, or do one in the morning and another in the evening. Research actually shows that a few mini-workouts spread throughout the day are just as effective as a prolonged one. Sarah explains: “Whether it’s a 5-Minute Upper Body class or a 10-Minute Dance Cardio class, all of the moments count, and little by little, they all add up.”
Crave more structure or need a challenge to get started? Stay accountable with our 7 Days of obé instructor mini-challenges (with Walter K., Alex S., or both!)—aka collections of their favorite obé Express classes.
Tip 3: Schedule Your Me-Time
“Sticking with exercise is all about creating time and space for yourself to show up!” says Sarah. “Schedules get busy and life happens, but when we set non-negotiable time for ourselves aside, it’s an absolute win for the day.”
Make it a weekly ritual to check the obé live schedule or on-demand drops every Sunday to plan out your week and add them to your calendar—just like you would for any work meeting or coffee date, says Kat. “Exercise is all about showing up for you, and that’s just as important as showing up for a client or best friend!”
Pro tip: Lay out your workout clothes the night before (if you’re an early bird), so you have a visual reminder as soon as you wake up, Sarah suggests. For those who like to obé after dark, she suggests asking an accountability buddy to join in, or starting a workout party with friends.
Tip 4: Treat Movement Like a Gift
“The most frequent feedback I get is that exercise can be daunting when viewed as a necessary ‘chore,’” explains Katherine. “All I have to say is: Change your mindset!” Instead of looking at fitness like a second chance with an ex you never vibed with, see it as an opportunity to cultivate a positive relationship with someone you’ve always admired.
“Treat your body like the goddess it is,” she says. “Feed it with daily practices to benefit your body and mind. View exercise as a form of medicine and a privilege in and of itself. Before you know it, you’ll be dying to put on some leggings!”
And, adds Kat, make sure you’re also taking time to find your why. “If we enter a new routine out of guilt or frustration, we are less likely to stick with it long-term.” Focus your attention on fitness as a healthy tool to relieve stress, improve your mood, and boost your confidence (our Meditation classes can help). “Patience and consistency are the keys to seeing results,” Kat reminds us. “Health is not a ‘quick fix’—it’s a lifestyle.”
Tip 5: Turn Up the Fitness Variety
Burned out, or hitting a plateau? Break up the monotony with a new class type, music genre, body focus, or intensity. Give yourself permission to switch things up based on your mood, and don’t feel like you have to do the ‘hardest’ workout every day.
Variety doesn’t just keep you from getting bored; it also makes your routine more effective. Only take classes on-demand? Try one live (and see how good it feels to get an instructor shoutout). Usually go all out for HIIT? Add a low-impact HIIT to your calendar instead. Strictly sweat to pop music? Give a different beat a shot.
“So many times, even as instructors, we get stuck in our routine, our ‘go-to’ moves, music, or formats,” says Katherine. “Surprise your body and you’ll walk away feeling completely different.” You might just discover your new obésession, and kick that fitness funk out for good.
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