There have been some wonderful new and returning faces to Tradewinds the last couple weeks, including myself!
I recently got back from a “short” break from the gym. I was away from the studio for about 11 days. Usually when I am away I try to fit in a couple workouts to keep my fitness going. However, this time around I felt like my body just needed some rest.
Well let me tell you about my first day back working out.
I thought I took it slow and easy, but boy was I sore the next day!
Whether it’s from your first time starting up in a fitness routine or returning after any length of a break, the challenge and the soreness can be discouraging.
The good news is there are ways to help you ease into it and hopefully make it a more encouraging process.
So here is my list of tips to ease back into your fitness routine:
Prioritize rest & recovery.
This can mean a whole bunch of things. Getting enough good quality sleep. Stretching and mobilizing between sessions (which I forgot to do, which partly led to my soreness). Staying well hydrated. Eating plenty of protein and fruits & vegetables. The more emphasis we put on the quality of our habits outside of the studio, the more success we will have inside it.
Set realistic goals.
My initial goal was to exercise three times a week. This allowed me to re-establish a routine without putting too much pressure on myself. I did 1 day on 1 day off until I hit my 3 days. It allowed me to start with something that felt doable and also helped me to prioritize the first item on my list, rest & recovery.
Embrace the challenge.
A lot of our life is made up of our perceptions. If we choose to see the positive in a situation we usually wind up with a positive outcome. If you embrace the challenges that typically come with starting something new or starting back up, you can set yourself up for more success.
Listening to our body.
Throughout this process, I learned the importance of listening to my body. Some days, I felt full of energy and ready to push myself. Other days, I needed to take it easy and rest. I learned to be patient with myself and to understand that rest is a crucial part of the fitness journey.
Celebrating small wins.
Every achievement, no matter how small, deserved to be celebrated. Whether it was completing a workout I didn’t feel like doing or noticing increased strength, I acknowledged my progress. Celebrating these wins kept me motivated and reminded me of how far I had come.
Finding enjoyment.
To maintain my fitness routine, I focus on finding activities that I genuinely enjoyed. By doing exercises that I looked forward to, staying consistent became much easier. I also know I enjoy the group class setting. I look forward to working out with others and sharing their energy and space.
Reflecting on the journey.
Every time I take any length of a break from fitness I reflect on my journey back into it. I have come to realize that fitness is much more than just physical health for me. It was about rebuilding my confidence, prioritizing self-care, and learning to appreciate my body for what it can do. I learned that setbacks are a part of life and that it’s okay to start over as many times as needed.
Easing back into fitness is a journey of self-discovery and growth. While there can be challenges, the rewards far outweighed them. Each time I get back into my routine I am grateful for the experience and excited to continue on my path of wellness, knowing that it’s never too late to start again.