It’s not uncommon for life to get in the way of your regular exercise routine. Maybe you’ve suffered an injury which requires you take some time off from physical activity in order to recover, or perhaps you’ve just had a lot of work, family commitments, and other things to deal with, which has left you with little time to get out and the idea of exercising is the last thing on your mind.
But don’t worry!
Whatever the reason for why your exercise routine has gone from regular to non-existent, getting yourself back into a routine doesn’t have to be difficult. If you’re trying to get out of a rut when it comes to exercise, the most important thing is that you resume physical activity safely.
Here are some tips to ease yourself back into it and restart your routine.
Start Small And Easy
After you’ve had some time off, the last thing that you want is to throw yourself back into whatever you were doing last time you exercised. Chances are, you’ll feel super stiff and sore the next day, and it could even increase your risk of injuring yourself. So, start with something small and easy to get yourself back into a routine both physically and mentally. If you’re feeling overwhelmed and the idea of going to the gym for a big session is too much, ease yourself into it by going out for a brisk walk or a jog or doing some yoga at home.
Sign Up For A Class
If you’re struggling with the idea of getting back into exercising and can’t seem to get yourself motivated to do it, signing up for a class can help. There’s something about committing to exercising with a group at a certain time that can make you more determined to stick to it, plus once you get there, you’ll have an instructor and other people around you, which can make it more fun and enjoyable. Just make sure that you sign up for a class that isn’t aimed at people who’ve been exercising daily for the last six months otherwise you could end up pushing yourself too far.
Get Enough Sleep
If you’re getting back into exercising after a long break and are feeling sluggish and sore, it could be because you’re not getting enough quality sleep. Sleep can play a big role in athletic performance so it’s worth reviewing your sleep environment and bedtime routine to ensure that you are getting enough good-quality rest to support your body. Improve your sleep routine by exercising earlier in the day, eliminating caffeine from your diet in the afternoon and waking and sleeping at the same time every day. If you wake up with aches and pains, a new mattress or pillows could help.
Improve Your Diet
If your diet isn’t the healthiest, this certainly won’t make you feel any better when getting back into exercising after a long break and could even make it more difficult for your body to recover. When exercising, make sure that you are getting enough protein – filling at least one-third of your plate with healthy proteins like fish, lean meat, and tofu will help give your body the right nutrients to recover after a workout. Protein shakes can help too. Cut back on carbs, fill up with leafy green vegetables, and make sure that you are staying hydrated with at least two liters of water a day. You’ll feel more motivated and energized, and you’ll get better results from your workouts when your diet supports them.
Whatever the reason, we all sometimes fall into a rut and struggle to get motivated again when it comes to exercise. If you want to get back into a routine, doing it safely and giving your body the support it needs is essential.
*collaborative post
