So it's been a while since your last workout. Maybe it's been a couple weeks, maybe it's been a couple months, maybe even a couple years. Either way, it's hard to get back into the rhythm after a break. I hate to have breaks in my routine. Even after just a few days away from the gym, I feel sluggish and unmotivated. However, I've found there are a few things that I can do to re-energize me and get me motivated again.
1) Get back to eating properly. For me, less time working out means more time eating. And it's not just eating more, it's eating worse. There's always a reason why workout routines get interrupted. No one just says "eh, I think I'm gonna stop going to the gym." Whether it be school, work, home-life, or maybe even an injury. Something within our lives is requiring more time and more effort. Not only do we have less time to spend in the gym but also less time to spend in the kitchen to cook healthy meals. Before we know it our normally healthy meals are being replaced by donuts and hamburgers. Now this is one of the biggest challenges, but also one of the most important. You have to return to a healthy diet, completely. There's no room for compromise and gradual substitution just doesn't work. Developing a meal-plan can really help.
2) Set ambitious, but reasonable goals. Remember how good your six-pack use to look. Remember all those stares you'd get because of your toned arms. Those are the things you need to remember when you first pick up the weights after a break. Whether it be weight-loss or strength-gains, you should have a goal in mind. However, it's important not to get over ambitious. It can be discouraging if you do not see the results you where hoping for. It can take only a week to gain 5lbs., but a month or two just to lose it.
3) Commit to returning to your routine. You know deep down if you're committed about returning to the gym. For some people, after a while away from the weights, it can take a lot to return. Whatever your reason for returning to the gym, you have to remind yourself constantly.
Returning to the gym is never easy. But I've found following these guidelines can help me break through the initial shock. For those of you contemplating a return to the gym, hopefully these guidelines can make it a little easier for you as well.
1) Get back to eating properly. For me, less time working out means more time eating. And it's not just eating more, it's eating worse. There's always a reason why workout routines get interrupted. No one just says "eh, I think I'm gonna stop going to the gym." Whether it be school, work, home-life, or maybe even an injury. Something within our lives is requiring more time and more effort. Not only do we have less time to spend in the gym but also less time to spend in the kitchen to cook healthy meals. Before we know it our normally healthy meals are being replaced by donuts and hamburgers. Now this is one of the biggest challenges, but also one of the most important. You have to return to a healthy diet, completely. There's no room for compromise and gradual substitution just doesn't work. Developing a meal-plan can really help.
2) Set ambitious, but reasonable goals. Remember how good your six-pack use to look. Remember all those stares you'd get because of your toned arms. Those are the things you need to remember when you first pick up the weights after a break. Whether it be weight-loss or strength-gains, you should have a goal in mind. However, it's important not to get over ambitious. It can be discouraging if you do not see the results you where hoping for. It can take only a week to gain 5lbs., but a month or two just to lose it.
3) Commit to returning to your routine. You know deep down if you're committed about returning to the gym. For some people, after a while away from the weights, it can take a lot to return. Whatever your reason for returning to the gym, you have to remind yourself constantly.
Returning to the gym is never easy. But I've found following these guidelines can help me break through the initial shock. For those of you contemplating a return to the gym, hopefully these guidelines can make it a little easier for you as well.
No comments:
Post a Comment