If you jumped ship with your exercise routine long ago, the temptation can be to go big or go home with your new routine. But, this can lead to burnout and injury. Meaning that your efforts will only be short lived. So, what are the best ways to ease yourself back into an effective exercise routine?
First let’s look at the excuses that stopped you. Were you too busy? Maybe you injured yourself and never got back on track? Or perhaps you were uninspired? Hey – these are all things that can get in your way again!
When you start an exercise routine, it’s about more than getting in shape. It’s about overcoming those obstacles you place in front of yourself. So as you move forward with fitness, you have to work to keep yourself on course. And that’s what we’re gonna talk about today.
Focus On Form
It’s not just about how much you sweat. And it’s not just about how heavy the weight. It’s about how you execute the movement. Remember to get the form right first, and your body will follow.
If you get the right form, you’ll be working your body in the right way. So you won’t injure yourself and take yourself out of the game altogether. Remember if you have to quit due to injury, all your hard work up until now will feel like it’s been for nothing.
For example, squatting with an arched back will inevitably cause back problems. Running without proper support will take out your knees. And lifting extra heavy weights can seriously injure your shoulder. And these are just some of the many problems that can be solved by focusing on form.
Give Yourself A Break
Go hard – but not too hard. It’s so easy to overdo it at the very beginning. And then OUCH! An injury can happen. Or you can become so exhausted that you just drop out. You’re going for consistency. So do things in a way that makes it easy to be conisistent.
If you’re doing weights, be prepared for Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness (DOMS). You might feel like you’ve been hit by a steam train the next day, And if this happens, a day off is vital. You want your muscles to be able to recover. And then you want to keep building on your good work.
Look at it this way. You build muscle through a series of micro tears. Meaning that your muscles develop by repeatedly experiencing small tears, and then rebuilding themselves. But it’s a fine line between a small tear and a major injury. Overdo it, and you may need much more than a day off.
So work hard. And then rest hard. This is the way to pace yourself for victory.
Make The Most Out Of Limited Time
Now let me know if this sounds familiar. You say you’d totally stick to an exercise routine, if only you had enough time. Being busy derails some of the best intentions.
But the great thing is that some of the most effective types of exercise are also the most time efficient. Did you know that there’s a type of exercise you can do in only a half hour? And it effectively tones the whole body while providing cardio!
It’s called High Intensity Training (HIIT) And it’s the best way to work your muscles to the max in a short period of time. And do it in a way that prevents injuries. But you don’t have to believe me on this one. Check out what Dr. Mercola has to say!
Make It A Habit
Thank fast – how long does it take to create a new habit? Did you say at least a month? Well then you might be on the path to success. Because it does take that long for a new habit to stick. And exercise can be one of the most important habits in your life.
So set your habit up for success. Put one of those yoga classes into your calendar so you actually go. Bring some snacks and water to work so you’re ready for the gym. And get a new sports bra so you won’t have the excuse of not having clean workout gear.
Do this for a month. And soon these habits will be fully formed, making it easier to stay on track. You’ll feel better both mentally and physically. You might even crave that workout. And now you have a success mindset, putting you on pace to be physically fit for life!
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Top Photo Credit: Wikimedia
