Starting to exercise again after a long break can be a little intimidating, but it’s also an opportunity to set new goals and get back into shape. Here are a few tips to help you get started:
- Start slowly: If you haven’t been exercising for a while (or never really have consistently), it’s important to ease into it. Try starting with just a few minutes of low-intensity activity and gradually increasing the duration and intensity as you get more comfortable. You don’t want to be sore for a week after the first exercise but you also want to work up a sweat and get your heart rate moving. Find that balance between there.
- Find activities you enjoy: Exercising should be something you look forward to, not something you dread. So, try a variety of activities until you find something you enjoy. This could be anything from walking or running, to dancing or swimming, to workouts from YouTube or lifting weights in the gym. Whatever it is, if you hate it, it’s not going to turn into a habit. Also, instead of doing just one exercise activity, mix it up for your sanity.
- Set realistic goals: It’s important to set goals that are achievable, so you don’t get discouraged. Start by setting small, achievable goals and gradually increase them as you get stronger and more comfortable. Start with something like 10-15 min of moderate to high intensity activity (longer time if intensity is lower) 3 or 4 times per week and build up from there.
- Get support: It can be helpful to have someone to exercise with or to get support from friends and family. You could also consider hiring a personal trainer or joining a gym or exercise class. Another approach is to have an accountability partner to help check in on how your progress is going even if they don’t work out with you.
- Be consistent: To see progress, it’s important to be consistent with your exercise routine. Try to find a time of day that works for you and make a commitment to exercise on a regular basis. Even if you don’t want to do it, for whatever reason, make yourself do some activity for at least 5 min. You can do anything for 5 min right? That will keep up the practice and even that small amount of time will help build this into a habit.
Remember, it’s never too late to start exercising again! It’s important to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new exercise program, especially if you have any underlying health conditions. Don’t forget to comment below on what your goals are for your new regimen! Happy fitness time!
2 Comments
Comments are closed.