There are lots of reasons why you might have taken a break from regular exercise, so we're here with some tips for getting back into the groove. These will help you stay safe and productive as you hit the gym, or get back to your workout routine.
Don't be a weekend warrior
Since many of us have our free time at the weekend,
it's tempting to leave our exercise sessions to Saturday and Sunday. While
they're great days to work out, it's also important to return to exercise
regularly rather than days of inactivity with a flurry at the weekend.
Rest with the best
While we've said you should exercise
regularly, it's also important to rest regularly so that your body has time to
recover from your workout. Muscle ache is a natural result of a good workout,
but it's also a sign that your body needs rest while it rebuilds. That way, you
can come back stronger and more determined.
Don't overdo it
If you've had a long break, you might be
ready to hit the gym thinking you've got to hit a new personal best. Everyone's
different, so it may take a while to get back to your previous performance,
even if you're using your old routine. If in doubt, take it easy and set
targets gradually.
Remember what you enjoy
Getting back to the gym can be
intimidating, especially after a break, so remember what you enjoy. Whether
that's the classes, feeling fit or working out as a great way to release stress,
focus on that and start moving.
Don't be hard on yourself
There's a chance that your fitness might
have lapsed or you might not be as strong as you were before your break. This
is normal, and you may find it takes a few sessions to get back into the swing
and find your endurance again. In the meantime, don't be too hard on yourself
because we're sure that with a little time you'll be back to the same level you
were at before.
Listen to your body
This is pretty much a good idea for any day in any sport, but when you're getting back to the routine it's more important than ever. A lot of people talk about shocking or surprising your body for best results, but when you're just getting back to the grind you should take it easy and listen to what your body's telling you. If things feel tough, definitely dial it back and save it for another session.
So, all this aside, we wish you the best of success when getting fit again because exercise is good for the mind, body and soul.
Related Articles
4 Steps To Staying Motivated During Winter