On the path to lifelong fitness and health, you’re bound to hit a few potholes and detours along the way. Some bumps in the road are short-lived, and your journey continues. At other times, you might find yourself away from the gym for an extended period of time.

When you’re ready to get back into training, what matters most is the path ahead. So, no matter what took you away from the gym, now is the time to focus on moving forward.

Here are some tips to get back at it and back into your fitness groove:

1. Plan on a gradual ramp-up.

When you’re getting back to training, plan on a gradual ramp-up. Unfortunately, it’s just not realistic to pick up right where you left off. And it’s also impossible to make up for lost time. Now is the time to focus on the basics. Check your ego and be okay with scaling. Pay attention to your form and nail the points of performance for every movement you perform.

2. Commit to a schedule.

As you start to gradually ramp back into training, commit to a consistent workout routine. Give yourself some time to re-form the habit you’d created before you took time off. Start with three workouts a week and hold yourself accountable to that plan. It might take a little bit of extra effort and discipline to rebuild consistency, but you’ll get there if you commit to the process.

3. Set some new fitness goals.

Now is a great time to set some new fitness goals. As you create your goals, set realistic expectations around what you can handle right now and the timeframe you’ll need to see results. For long-term goals, create short-term objectives that can act as stepping stones to keep you on track.

4. Be careful how you talk to yourself.

Getting back into your fitness groove is fun and exciting. But it can also be frustrating and even disappointing when you figure out that you’ve lost a bit of fitness. Be careful of how you talk to yourself. Avoid comparing yourself to others or to where you were in the past. Instead, stay hyper-focused on your individual improvement. Remember that it’s okay to have some fun. Reconnect with the people in your fitness community, and remember that you’re not in this alone.

To learn more about Rhapsody Fitness in Charleston and our range of programs, get in touch with Team Rhapsody today.