Despite your best efforts of sticking to a consistent training routine, things don’t always go according to plan. Life might hit you with a few curve balls that mean taking some time away from the gym.
No matter what caused your extended training hiatus, what’s going to be your best approach when you’re ready to get back to it? Here are a few suggestions on how to safely and effectively ease back into your training routine after taking some time away:
1. The key word is “ease.”
When you’re ready to get back to the gym, it’s easy to let your energy and excitement take over. But before you give in to showing up and lifting all the weights, take your foot off the accelerator. Remember that you’re just getting back, so now is the time to give your body a chance to adjust. Your muscles, joints, tendons, and ligaments need some time to get back to the level where you were before taking a break. So ramp up gradually, and make sure that you’re prioritizing rest and recovery in between your workouts.
2. Set or adjust your training and fitness goals.
As you’re settling back into a solid routine, now is a great time to set or revisit your training and fitness goals. Once you review the goals you had in the past, they may be no longer relevant or even interesting to you. But no rule says you can’t change your mind and adjust. So, focus on setting goals that you’re excited to pursue. And then make sure that they’re clearly defined with a realistic timeframe for completion.
3. Focus on using good form.
It’s always a good idea to pay attention to your form and look for ways to improve your skills. However, now is a great time to review the basic foundational movements as you’re starting back up. Starting with a solid foundation will set you up for success as you gradually add more complex movements back into your routine.
4. Aim for consistency.
Remember, now is the time to buffer your excitement. Rather than jumping into high-intensity workouts where you’re lifting heavy weight or getting your heart rate to soar to new heights, start with consistency. Establish a routine where you work out X number of days each week and build up a consistent training schedule. The intensity will be waiting for you when you’re ready.
5. Set realistic expectations.
As tempting as it will be to compare your current level of fitness to where you were in the past, try to resist it. Now is not the time to wish you could do all the stuff you used to do. Instead, it’s time to listen to your body and cut yourself some slack. Manage your expectations and let go of defining what you should or shouldn’t be able to do at this point. Be realistic with your expectations, and put in a consistent and committed effort. Stick with it, and you’ll steadily raise the bar on your health, fitness, and performance.
To learn more about Rhapsody CrossFit in Charleston and our range of programs, get in touch with Team Rhapsody today.
