Forcing yourself to head back to your fitness routine at the gym, when you’ve taken a long break can be quite hard. Finding the motivation within you to get up and work out can be hard, and you may even end up believing that you’ve slid back in your fitness journey. This can be quite disheartening and can even be a little bit dangerous. This is because if you are not careful, you may end up injuring yourself if you end up doing the same kinds of exercises that you used to do. Fortunately, all you need to do is get in touch with fitness trainers and get back on that horse!
Having said that, it’s also important to understand that you need to be mentally and physically prepared to get back into your fitness routine for a basic workout. Here are 7 tips to keep in mind when you’re starting a workout after a long break.
1. Start it at a more basic level
You may have been used to a rigorous routine however, it’s important to understand that you need to start slow when you want ease into fitness. If you do not do so, it can be quite dangerous as you’ll end up injuring yourself. Also, if you had taken a break due to an injury, then you need to speak to your fitness instructor about the same so that they know what to do.
2. Stretch well
No matter how used to working out you may be, it is essential to start any session by first stretching. You need to stretch for a long time – as long it’s possible for you. This can help you prevent any injuries. If you happen to be engaged in strength training, then it is also important to stretch post-workout too.
3. Start with easy exercises
It is important that you do not start with major exercises such as power-lifting. Instead, you need to start with more basic exercises such as simple weights. This will help you regain your strength and can also have a good impact on your stamina.
4. Work with a physical trainer
If you’ve taken a break, you need to understand how your body will now respond to exercising. A qualified fitness trainer can help you by making sure that your body and exercise routines are both aligned.
5. Choose smaller workout sessions
Going super hard and working out for a long period such as 2 hours straight the minute you head to the gym. Instead, on the very first day, you should make sure that you’re working out for a shorter period so that your body does not get overwhelmed. Pick sessions that span around 30 to 45 minutes and increase your workout time slowly.
6. Pick the correct gym
Make sure that you’re working out at the appropriate gym, thus, you should be careful when selecting a gym. There’s no point in trying to craft a fitness routine at a gym that does not have the appropriate equipment for your needs.
7. Don’t judge yourself too harshly
You may not be able to exercise the way you once did, and that is totally fine. You need to give yourself the time to rebuild your strength and get back to where you were.
Final thoughts
It’s important to take the necessary precautions before you head back to the gym. Make sure that you’re in the right mindset to follow a new routine as well as a new diet, as instructed by your trainer.
Author’s Bio:
Noelle has a passion for helping people live their best lives through a healthier lifestyle. As the co-founder of a Leading Edge Personal Trainers NYC, she specialises in designing and helping clients implement exercise programs.
