How to start working out after a long break
Have you taken a long break from working out? That’s OK. You can begin or ease back into an exercise program whenever you want. Here’s how to start.
Have your exercise plans fallen by the wayside? Whatever the reason, there are ways to pull yourself out of a workout rut and get back into a routine.
But how do you start working out after a long break? Here are 9 tips:
1. Talk to your doctor before starting an exercise program
Do you have any previous injuries? Are there any health problems in your medical history? In such cases, you may want to check with your doctor before you start exercising. This may mean going in for a physical to check your overall health.
You don’t need to a doctor’s approval for simple exercises like walking. However, Harvard Medical School says it’s best to check with your doctor before starting an exercise program if:
- you’re very unsteady on your feet,
- you experience dizziness or take medication that makes you feel dizzy, or
- you have a history of heart disease, asthma, high blood pressure, osteoporosis, or diabetes.
2. Find your current fitness level
It’s a good idea to establish your current baseline fitness level before starting an exercise plan. This allows you to find an exercise regime that’ is comfortable for you. Plus, it gives you a base to track your progress.
You can work with a specialist like a personal trainer or a physical therapist. Or you can create your own assessment. Do this by finding how many basic exercises you can do in a set amount of time. This can include squats, push-ups and lunges.
You can also follow a plan provided by recognized medical and fitness sources.
3. Build your own workout routine
Once you’ve figured out your fitness level, you can design your plan to meet your goals. The Government of Canada recommends 2.5 hours of moderate to vigorous aerobic activity a week.
That recommended 2.5 hours includes all movement. Exercise can include walks to and from work, playing with the kids, bike rides or walks. It’s all about getting up and moving.
Do you prefer ready-made plans? There are several apps that will provide a plan for you based on your age, fitness levels and desired goals.
To keep your motivation going, be sure to create a plan that includes activities you enjoy.
4. Choose the right workout clothes
Having the right shoes and other performance apparel can help keep you comfortable while you’re moving. For most workouts you’ll want something that fits well and keeps you cool.
5. Track your fitness progress
Reaching your fitness goals often means making exercise a regular habit. One way of creating that habit is to keep track of your progress.
You can start tracking how many times a week you exercised and any new accomplishments. This may include:
- moving from modified to full push-ups,
- a personal best time for your runs or
- an increase in your weights.
Track your accomplishments and use that to keep you motivated.
6. Take small steps to reaching your fitness goals
One of the reasons we stop exercising is often that we start too hard, too fast. It might actually be counter-productive to make commitments like working out for an hour every day or running 20 kilometres in the first week. Pushing yourself that hard can lead to soreness or even injury, which may cause you to give up.
Instead, start slow and build on that foundation. Instead of running a full 5K, start by walking, going for a bike ride or using lighter weightswalking, then build up to running. You canThen, gradually increase the intensity and distance, as you gain confidence.
7. Stretch your muscles
It’s critical to incorporate stretching into your new exercise program. Harvard Medical School also found that stretching keeps muscles strong and flexible. Without stretching, muscles can become short and tight. That makes them weak and puts you at risk for muscle damage, strains, soreness and joint pain. Stretch out your full muscle group for at least 30 seconds each time.
8. Get a virtual fitness buddy
Exercising with a friend or as part of a group can help with motivation. But in a social-distance world, you might need to modify this best practice. Knowing you have a friend who is supporting you can help you stick to your plan. And if your friend doesn’t live close by, . yYou can still buddy-up with a friend viathrough texts or by starting a program together on the same app
9. Know it’s never too late to start exercising
If you haven’t exercised for a long time, or ever, there’s no need to beat yourself up. The results of exercise are cumulative, so it’s truly never too late to see the health benefits. And you can always restart your plan, even if you haven’t exercised for months or years.
There are exercises for everyone, no matter the age, fitness level or the amount of space. Find something you enjoy doing and reap the benefits of moving. You’ll soon see results in your physical health — and your mental health as well.
