We are all aware of the numerous health benefits that you gain from regular exercise. Alongside managing your weight better, incorporating exercise into your day to day routine can lower blood pressure, strengthen bones, and reduce your risk of developing osteoporosis.
If you have had a break away from exercise, getting back into the swing of things can be daunting, however, there are lots of helpful tips that can ease you back into your fitness regime.
Set Smart Goals
Before starting exercise again, it’s important that you establish smart and realistic goals. While your main goal may be to get fit, you will need to be specific on what you want to achieve. For instance, if your aim is to run a triathlon or half-marathon, having a plan laid out in advance will give you something to work towards. Setting SMART goals and ensuring they are specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound will help keep you on track.
Take Things Slow
Instead of throwing yourself in at the deep end, it’s best to take things slow when getting back into exercise. It’s recommended to begin with a couple of full-body strength workouts each week, giving yourself one day in between to recover. The last thing you want is to sustain an injury, so knowing your body’s limits will help when developing your physical fitness.
Get an Exercise Buddy
If you have been out of the fitness game for a considerable length of time, your confidence may be at rock bottom. To give you the motivation and drive to work out, having a friend, family member, or work colleague to work out alongside you can be beneficial. Having an exercise buddy can bring a social aspect too, helping to inject more fun into working out.
Look After Yourself
So that you get the most out of exercise, it’s vital that you keep your mental and physical health in check. Whether it’s by following a balanced diet, staying hydrated, or getting enough sleep, there are lots of things you can do to ensure you’re in the best frame of mind both physically and mentally. If you’re struggling to get enough sleep, it’s likely that you will be low on energy which can have a negative impact on your workout. You can find the best budget mattress which will provide maximum comfort and relaxation, helping to support your joints and ensure you wake up feeling well-rested and ready for exercise.
Speak to Your Doctor
If you’re nervous about getting back into exercise, you may benefit from speaking to a health professional like a doctor. Getting expert advice on whether you’re ready will put your mind at ease and give you the confidence you need to work out. Your doctor may recommend certain techniques to ensure you don’t overdo things.
Stay Active
When restarting a fitness routine, you need to expect muscle soreness. While you may use post-workout soreness as a chance to relax and unwind, you will be more motivated to tackle your next workout if you stay active on your rest days. Whether it’s by going for a walk around your neighborhood, practicing yoga or meditation, or doing some exercises in your living room, basic movements will speed up recovery.
While many of us are dedicated to daily exercise, injuries, stress at work, or suffering from burnout may result in you putting your health and fitness on the backburner. If you’re ready to get back into exercise and aren’t sure where to start, all the suggestions above can help prepare your mind and body for fitness and reduce the risk of injury.
