How to ease yourself back into working out
This is a collaborative post.
When it comes to starting a new workout regime, can have a significant impact on our bodies. Going from a relatively sedentary state to pushing your body to extremes in the name of fitness can put a lot of pressure on it.
Forcing your body to do too much too soon can do more harm than good when it comes to regaining fitness levels and maintaining a new workout regime.
That’s not to say you shouldn’t start working out again, just that you may need to give your body some time to get back into the swing of things. Knowing exactly what to do and how to do it can help you ensure that your determination and enthusiasm don’t train off after the first week.
Take It Slow
Whether you’re a beginner to working out or you are returning after a period away from exercising. It is important to remember that increased activity levels will be a new challenge for your body.
If it hasn’t been too long, you may find that muscle memory kicks in, and you instinctively know how much you can push. If not, then taking it to allow is your best option.
Don’t focus on long-past goals you had or what your body used to be able to do. Focus on what you can do today.
Take it easy and try not to overdo it on your first few workouts. You are in this for the long haul – never compare your beginning to someone else’s middle or end.
You will get there but at your own pace not to keep up with someone else. Don’t forget those all-important rest days! Even serious athletes take time to let their bodies rest and recuperate.
Find What Works For You!
With so many different ways to work out, it can be a case of trial and error to find something that you enjoy doing and that works for you. Having more than one type of exercise in your weekly schedule can help you to mix it up, so things don’t get stale.
Did you know if you continuously do the same workouts day after, your body will no longer find it useful? Instead, try to mix it up ever so often and add in different workouts or increased frequency.
Mix up some cardio for the all-important fat burn, weight workouts to help you define and tone your body. Weights aren’t just for men and won’t bulk you up if you are looking to lose weight. Far from it!
The right type of weight regime in your workout schedule can help to not only turn fat to muscle but achieve a more streamlined and defined look when you reach your target weight and shape.
Have you considered yoga or pilates for working out? These workouts are designed to engage your core in a more low-impact way. A perfect add-on to what you already do or to wind down after a long, arduous day.
Fuel Your Body Correctly for working out
You can’t out-train a bad diet. You may simply lose weight, but you won’t ultimately achieve what you are working towards if you don’t change some or all of your food intake alongside your workouts.
Both parts need to work hand in hand to help you get to where you want to be. Swapping out processed, high-fat, and sugary foods with healthier, energy-boosting alternatives can not only help you train better, harder, and longer but feel better on the inside too.
Make sure to include as many fruits and vegetables as you can and eat foods rich in protein along with healthy nuts and seeds.
If you find you still aren’t getting all the vitamins and minerals your body needs, or you feel you need more assistance with pushing forward with your body goals, then supplements can help you.
Warm-Up and Cool Down
It can be so tempting to just sip on past these parts of your workout. But did you know they are just as important as the workout itself?
Taking 10-15 mins before and after your workout to get your body ready for your workout can help you to ward off injuries. No one wants to hit a workout stride and find their groove only to be struck down with an injury.
So take that little bit of extra time to adequately warm up and then cool down with some stretches at the end of your workout every time.
If you are unsure of what you need to be doing, then ask at your local gym or check out some fitness videos online to get some hints and tips on the best way to do this for our workouts.
Sleep Well
You may notice that you automatically start sleeping better when you do start to work out. If not, taking the time to make sure you are getting enough sleep will help your body recover from your workouts.
Use an activity watch to help you record your sleeping patterns and make some changes to your bedroom habits to help induce a good night’s sleep.
If you don’t give your body some time to rest and repair you run the risk of overdoing things and causing yourself an injury or simply being overcome with fatigue and exhaustion.
In conclusion: Getting back to exercise is never going to be a bad thing for our bodies. However, putting measures in place at the beginning will help you to go the distance.
The longer you can stick to your new goals, the better it will be for you in the long run. Listen to your body, pay attention to how you feel, and any new pains that don’t feel right. This will let you identify any injuries and not brush them off as merely post-workout soreness
So what are you waiting for? Get started on our new workout and fitness schedule today.
