How To Start To Exercise Again After A Layoff
There are many things in life that may affect your exercise routine, so it’s important to be aware of how to start to exercise again after a layoff. Remind yourself why you started exercising in the first place, was it to get fit or did you feel guilty that all your friends had an exercise program and you felt left out?
Whatever the reason, it’s not important, the main thing is your desire to get back into a routine again.
So before you jump into a rigorous exercise program, think about how long it is since you’ve done any exercise and plan your routine to suit your level of fitness. You will need to re-educate your muscles. Your body goes through changes when there is no regular exercise routine.
Your muscles lose tone and your lungs won’t expand as well as they did when you did regular exercise. The blood vessels in your body will be smaller from the lack of exercise therefore making it more difficult for the oxygen to be pulled from the blood, thus putting more pressure on your heart.
Don’t start working out like you were when you last exercised as you will do yourself more harm than good. If you were a regular attendee at a gym and took a break because you felt that you weren’t getting the most out of it, then consider speaking with the trainers to work out a different routine or join another gym that may have a different approach to exercise.
Start slowly by warming up your muscles for about 5 minutes before you attempt anything. If you were used to jogging, then start with a brisk walk for a few days until your muscles are used to the exercise. Gradually build up to jogging and before you know it you will be back to the level you were at before your layoff.
If you trained with weights previously, then it’s important to use smaller weights to begin with. Try to work out 2 to 3 times a week for about 30 to 45 minutes a session, then gradually increase the weight and times.
It is possible that it may take around 6 weeks to get back into the level of fitness that you had achieved before your layoff, so don’t be impatient. Resist the urge to push yourself, and above all don’t work out until you are in pain before you stop. That is one way to guaranteed to do yourself an injury.
One thing to remember when you trying to work out how to start to exercise again after layoff is to wear comfortable clothes. Maybe purchase a new set of work out wear to get you in a positive mood, and always wear comfortable shoes.
Don’t be disappointed if your first foray back into exercise is less rewarding than you anticipated. It is important to keep a positive attitude and above all enjoy what you do.
Your diet is also important when deciding how to start to exercise again after a layoff. Having a balance healthy nutritious diet of good quality proteins and a variety of fresh fruit and vegetable will benefit your body during exercise.
