How to Start Exercising Again

If it’s been a while since you’ve been on a structured workout plan and have decided that now’s the time you get back into it, it’s helpful to fully understand what you can do to ease your way into it.

Those who are not prepared to head back into their workouts often end up sore, injured, and even burnt out. 

This is the fastest way to lose interest in your new workout program, so if you want to make sure you maintain it over the long haul, easing into it is a much better strategy.

Here are a few quick tips to keep in mind when you want to start exercising again.

Set A Realistic Timeframe 

The very first thing that you absolutely must make sure you do is set a realistic time frame for achieving the results you’re after.  If you’ve set a goal to lose 30 pounds, for instance, don’t expect to do this over the course of two weeks.

It didn’t go on this quickly, and it will not come off that quickly, either. 

Be realistic and consider how much time you can devote to the gym and what type of diet you plan to follow. This will help prevent unrealistic expectations that just make you feel like you’ve failed if you haven’t reached them.

Keep It To Longer, Lower Intensity Workouts 

Second, the next thing that you must make sure you’re doing is starting out with longer but lower-intensity workouts.

While it has been shown that high-intensity workouts do generally help speed up fat loss considerably, if you’re not in the shape to do high-intensity workouts yet, this isn’t going to do you much good.

You’re far better off working at an intensity that’s comfortable for you and one that you can stick with and increasing it as you get into better shape.

Remember that even professional athletes started off somewhere, and you’re no different. 

Don’t expect yourself to run a 6-minute mile when you haven’t done more than a jog in the last few years.

Don’t Forget To Stretch

Third, make sure that you don’t neglect to stretch. 

After the first few workout sessions, there’s a very high chance that you will suffer from post-workout soreness, and there’s no better way to prevent this and get it under control than with some good stretching.

Always stretch after the workout has been completed when your muscles are nice and warm for the best results. 

All it really takes is ten minutes, but you’ll see a dramatic difference in how you feel the next morning.

Fuel Your Activity 

Finally, the last must that you should ensure you do is fuel your activity properly. 

Don’t try exercising when you haven’t eaten in three or more hours because chances are your energy level is going to plummet.

Instead, get a light but energizing meal in you to put in the hard effort that you want into your workout program. 

If you do this, not only will you get in better shape from your workouts, but you’ll usually burn more calories as well.

So make sure you’re taking these into consideration as you move throughout your workout program. 

It’s great that you’ve made the commitment to get back into it, so now you just need to make the commitment to stick with it over the long haul.