5 TIPS FOR GETTING BACK INTO THE GYM
If you’re one of the people who feel like they’ve fallen out of their regular workout routine, you are definitely not alone.
After more than a year of lockdowns, quarantines, and restrictions, people around the world have found themselves away from the gym and their regular fitness routines. The winter months are especially hard when you’re even more likely to feel sluggish and unmotivated. And while it might seem intimidating to get back into working out after time away, it doesn’t have to be that way! As we finally begin to see gym doors re-open, we owe it to ourselves to get up and moving again!
Here are here a few tips and tricks to help make that first trip back to the gym a little bit easier!
- CREATE AN EXERCISE SCHEDULE
There’s a lot to consider when it comes to scheduling exercise into your daily routine. This means being realistic in selecting the days that work best for you and how much time you’ll be able to commit to each workout.
It’s important to feel like your workout is a priority and dedicating specific times to the gym will help you achieve this. Scheduling will not only improve your focus, but also allows you to keep track of your fitness journey and acts as a consistent motivator for success.
Whether you’re able to commit to one day a week at the gym or six, consistency is key! Not only will your physical health improve, but your mental health as well!
Here is a look at West End’s class and open gym schedule.
- REVISITING THE BASICS
It’s a great idea to do some basic strength training exercises like squats, lunges, push-ups, and planks when you start to get back in shape, paying attention to proper form and technique. Whether you’re a beginner or a long-time veteran of the gym, these exercises are considered foundational. They provide basic movements that are needed for your body to effectively move onto more intense and demanding workouts.
Also, don’t forget to incorporate a warm-up and cool-down into your fitness plan to improve your performance and reduce the potential for muscle soreness!
- MAKE TIME FOR REST AND RECOVERY
It’s easy to get caught up in the thought that you need to be putting in effort every single day when it comes to your physical fitness program, but that couldn’t be further from the truth!
Rest days are vital to your fitness journey; they allow your body to heal itself and prepare for the next day, while also lowering your risk of injuries. Rest days actually increase the likelihood of you sticking to your exercise routines since putting in the maximum effort every single day is likely to leave you burnt out, exhausted, and resenting your workout in the long run.
Depending on how you feel, you don’t have to be completely sedentary during your rest day either. Light-impact activities like going for a walk, swim, or bike ride are all great ways to get outside and stretch your muscles on an off-day. But always make sure to listen to your body and give it what it needs.
- STRENGTH IN NUMBERS
One of biggest challenges is staying accountable when it comes to getting back into a workout plan, especially when you’re trying to do it alone. Enlisting the help of a family member, friend, or personal trainer to keep you on track with your goals is a great way to stay motivated and stick to your workout!
Our personal trainers here at West End AC have the skills and knowledge to help set the appropriate goals for you. Hiring a professional is a smart choice for anyone recovering from an injury, surgery, or traumatic event since they can show you the safest ways to approach your workout and suggest modifications you might need!
You could also recruit a friend who’s willing to be a gym buddy to keep each other on track. You can even consider joining a group class to connect with some of our other members and benefit from the positive atmosphere! If you aren’t a member at West End yet, we do offer an INTRODUCTORY OFFER available for first time visitors.
- MAKE IT INTERESTING
The last thing you want is to feel bored with your workout regiment, so it’s important to make an effort to stay engaged and motivated! Pick the exercises you want to do, rather the ones you’re expected to and consider putting together some alternative routines to help mix things up!
There are also lots of exercise programs and fitness challenges that offer a structured way to jump start your journey. You may decide to gather up a few of your friends to play a team sport with, or pop in some earbuds during your workout to listen to your favourite playlist, podcast, or audiobook!
VANESSA VILLA is an OCAD U graduate, graphic designer, illustrator, nature photographer, and freelance writer specializing in Health and Wellness. Follow Vanessa on IG @van3ssavilla