Getting back to working out after a break isnt as easy as dusting off yoursneakersand renewing your gym membership.
Life happens, and fitness journeys can start and stop and restart again, he says.
Lets get sweating, shall we?
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Make a planand start small.
But this may not be realistic or safe based on your current fitness level.
In terms of frequency, strive for two exercise days a week at the start, Pierson adds.
No, you really dont.
Striving for that frequency off the bat can lead to burnoutplus, its just not necessary for progress.
you might gradually increase that to three days a week, Pierson says.
(Heres how to create a balanced and effectiveweekly workout program.)
Once youve dialed in your plan, plug it into your calendar.
Having it set as a concrete part of your day can make you less likely to cancel on yourself.
Set doable goals and celebrate progress along the way.
Gauge whats feasible for you by testing your current level of fitness before coming up with your goal.
Savage suggests acknowledging smaller steps along the way that inch you closer to your ultimate goal.
As long as youre moving incrementally toward your overall goal, youre crushing it.
Start with basic bodyweight moves before adding load.
Yes, strength training provides alot of amazing benefits.
Focus more on your form and technique rather than speed or the number of reps.
According to Savage, the high-effort, low-rest programming is very demanding on your body.
Schedule rest just as you do your workouts.
for get stronger, you gotta allow your muscles enough downtime to repair those tears.
As you ramp up your fitness routine, ensure youre taking care of your body in other ways too.
Its a balanced approach, Pierson says.
Its not just physical fitness.
In other words, dont be surprised if you feel like you need an earlier bedtime than usual.
More sleep will ultimately help your body adapt to the new training youre putting it through.
Prepare your body for what its about to do.
verify that every routine includes a dedicated warm-up and cool-down.
Heresa five-move warm-upthat will prep you for any workout, as well asthree soothing cool-down ideasto try.
Open your mind to what fitness can look like.
PSA: Fitness is supposed to be fun, Pierson says.
If youre working out and youre doing something you hate, youre not gonna continue to do it.
Respect what your body is telling you.
Remember to listen to your body, says Pierson.
With that mentality, you could end up tweaking something and causing evenmorepain.
Work something else if you really want to work outor do a lower intensity.
Or take the day off completely.
Additional reporting by Alexa Tucker
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