Workout Woes – 5 Tips for Getting Back Into Fitness After a Long Break
Workout Woes – 5 Tips for Getting Back Into Fitness After a Long Break
If you’ve been out of the game for a significant length of time; (like the duration of the Melbourne lockdowns, for example); it’s important to understand that launching in as if you’re at your former fitness level probably isn’t a great idea. Today, we’re looking at five tips for getting back into fitness after a long break, and we strongly suggest that you consider them before planning your workout schedule.
1. Aftercare Is Crucial
The first thing you’ll need to do is; find quality health and fitness-related providers who can help you out if something goes wrong. When you’ve had a break from your fitness goals, your chances of injury increase. So, it’s a good idea to surround yourself with a team of professionals. We suggest getting in touch with a physio, the best osteopath in Melbourne, and a personal trainer, especially if you feel you’re now lacking in technique.
2. Start Off Slow
While it’s super tempting to try to pick up where you left off; it is vital that you start slow when resuming your fitness journey. Trying to go too hard, too fast may result in injuries, disappointment, and time spent recovering; that could otherwise be used to reach your goals. Begin with shorter, less intense sessions, and build back up to where you previously were – your body will thank you.
3. Don’t Be Too Hard on Yourself
It is important to take care of your mental health when getting back into things. When you’re unable to do something you used to it can be easy to berate yourself for no longer being up to standard. But this isn’t going to achieve anything.
No matter why you had to hit pause on your fitness journey, you did it because it was the best or only choice at the time. While this may, unfortunately, mean that you’ve gone backwards physically, there’s no reason to feel ashamed or upset. Set new goals based on progress, not perfection, and remember to be kind to yourself – these things take time.
4. Look After Your Body
You’re probably going to spend the next few weeks feeling a little sore and sorry for yourself. This is the upfront cost of getting back into fitness. While professionals can assist with any injuries, managing muscle soreness and other basic issues that don’t require medical attention sits firmly within the realm of DIY.
We suggest having an at-home spa night once a week where you soak in a nice bath (with magnesium added if desired), have your favourite essential oil floating out of an aromatherapy diffuser, read a book (or watch a show) and sip on your drink of choice. You’d be surprised by how much better you can feel simply by unwinding, and your muscles will appreciate the hot water and relaxed state.
5. Maintain a Healthy Diet
Finally, it is important to maintain a healthy diet. Getting fit takes a toll on your body’s resources so it is vital that you’re providing it with what it needs to function optimally. This includes making sure that you’re drinking enough water and providing your body with plenty of healthy, fresh food that delivers your required macros for the day.
Diets designed for muscle building or performance enhancement can be helpful, but we would suggest speaking with a dietician or your preferred medical professional before entering into any restrictive regimes.
Remember, fitness is a journey. Follow the tips in this article for getting started, avoid racing to the finish line, and most importantly, take care of yourself. You’ll get back to where you were, but these things take time.
