If you’ve let your fitness routine slide lately, it’s not too late to get back in shape. Whether you’ve been sidelined by injury, illness, or just life getting in the way, returning to exercise can be challenging. However, by following a few simple steps and making some lifestyle changes, you can improve your fitness level and achieve your health goals.
1. Set Realistic Goals
Before starting any new fitness routine, it’s important to set realistic goals for yourself. Begin by assessing where you are now and where you want to be. Consider factors such as weight loss, muscle gain or running a certain distance without stopping. It is important that your goals are specific, measurable and achievable within a certain timeframe.
2. Start Slowly
When getting back into fitness after a long break, it’s crucial not to overdo it on the first day of exercise. Instead start slowly with low-impact activities like walking or swimming for around 20-30 minutes per session three times per week before gradually building up intensity and duration of workouts.
3. Incorporate Strength Training
Strength training is essential when trying to get back into shape because it helps build muscle mass which increases metabolism leading to more calorie-burning throughout the day even while resting! Incorporating strength training into your routine ensures that you’re increasing your overall functional strength while burning calories at the same time.
4. Mix It Up
Variety is key when trying to maintain motivation for exercise so try switching things up every once in a while! Adding variety could include changing up workouts each week (such as High-Intensity Interval Training [HIIT], Pilates or Yoga), exploring new forms of activity (such as hiking) or even joining a sports team like basketball or soccer.
5. Keep Hydrated
Staying hydrated helps regulate body temperature (which can influence intensity levels), aid digestion as well as help muscles recover faster after workouts. Drinking fluids such as water or sports drinks can help maintain proper hydration levels throughout the day.
6. Get Enough Sleep
Sleep is a crucial part of getting back into shape since it helps with body and muscle recovery after workouts, as well as regulates hormones that are associated with weight gain. Aim for around 7-8 hours of sleep per night to ensure that your body has enough time to rest and recover properly.
7. Track Your Progress
Tracking your progress is important because it helps motivate you to keep going! Tracking your progress could include monitoring weight, strength training progress or even logging food intake. By having regular check-ins on this aspect of training, you’ll be able to see real results in just a few weeks.
In conclusion, getting back into shape requires some effort but it’s not impossible! It is important to set realistic goals for yourself, start slowly while incorporating strength training, mix up exercises and other activities, remain hydrated, get enough sleep and track your progress along the way. At the end of the day getting back in shape means making small lifestyle changes that can lead to big results over time.
