Reinitiating regular physical activity after a hiatus can be quite intimidating and even more nerve-wracking. Your body may have lost its familiarity with exercising, and the journey back to your previous fitness level is not going to be straightforward. However, remember that nothing truly valuable comes effortlessly, right?
Below, we will guide you through some gradual steps to ease you back into your workout schedule, ensuring that you exercise without subjecting your body to excessive stress.
Start with Modest Beginnings
Ever heard of the saying ‘crawl before you walk’? The same principle applies to resuming exercise, but in this case, take it quite literally. Avoid diving into 10k runs right away. Instead, start by gradually increasing your distance to 5k through light jogging over a few weeks. Slowly expand the miles covered and the speed maintained during your jogs.
Enjoy Your Favorite Music
Music serves as an excellent motivator and distraction during workouts, aiding in diverting your attention from muscle soreness. Invest in a quality pair of wireless earphones for a hassle-free experience and immerse yourself in the music. Opt for tunes with impactful lyrics and high energy levels. Genres like rock, dance, and lively hip-hop are perfect choices, as their rhythms complement a workout routine well. However, select music that resonates with you personally.
Indulge Yourself
Reward yourself after a productive workout session with a cheat day, a relaxing break, or a sweet delicacy. Just because you’re returning to exercising doesn’t mean you have to lead an austere lifestyle. Offering yourself small rewards can make your exercise comeback seem more manageable and less burdensome.
Transform it into a Social Affair
If mustering the energy to exercise alone is challenging, consider working out with buddies or joining a group fitness class at your nearby gym. We’re not suggesting you go all out with CrossFit, but exercise doesn’t have to be a solitary journey. Perhaps swap your usual Friday pub meetup with friends for a gym session followed by a pub visit?
Explore Options Beyond the Gym
Your workout regime doesn’t have to be limited to the gym. Turn physical activity into a seamless part of your routine, whether it involves walking your pet, playing sports, embarking on hikes, or even hitting the dance floor. Numerous activities outside the gym can help you achieve your fitness targets.
Above everything else, set realistic goals. Rome wasn’t constructed in a day, and attaining your ideal physique won’t happen overnight either. Avoid pushing yourself excessively and strive to relish the process!
