After more than a year, it seems that things are slowly starting to get back to normal and the coronavirus pandemic is thankfully coming to a close. Not only are restaurants, theaters, and school re-opening, but so are gyms. That means that you can finally workout again just like you did before COVID-19 struck.
But what should you keep in mind as you start venturing back to the gym? How do you return to a regular workout routine if the pandemic wrecked your progress and schedule?
1. Start Slowly
This is the most important thing to remember. Hopefully you were able to work out a little bit during the pandemic, even if it wasn’t nearly as much as you did before. Maybe you were able to get some push-ups or sit-ups in even during lockdown. That’s great and that kept your body in a better shape than it could have fallen into. However, now that you are going back to the gym, you need to go slowly. Don’t push yourself too hard and do not attempt to go from zero to one-hundred in your first session. You will soon be working out like you used to but when you are first returning to the gym, don’t overdo it.
2. Hold Yourself Accountable
You need to keep yourself on target for working out. That means that you need to hold yourself accountable and make sure you really are doing the work to get back to the gym and regularly go again and again. Only you are in charge of yourself so you need to make a workout plan and stick to it, no matter what!
3. Get Social With Your Workout Routines
Doesn’t it feel good to be around people again? Now that the vaccines are helping people and keeping them safe, you can attend gym classes with others. This is a great idea because everyone in class will be feeling the same sort of enthusiasm and excitement to be working out again. You can feed off of that energy and it will make you work even harder.
4. Instead of a Gym, Go Outside
After months of being locked up inside, a workout outside is a wonderful idea and a great way to get motivated and to push yourself and get yourself back into the normal exercise routine. The fresh air, the wind blowing through your hair, the sun on your face – it will all feel great and give you terrific drive to work out.
5. Listen to your Body
You may want to go over the top and really hit the gym hard when you first return to it but you need to listen to your body because it will tell you what pace is right for you. You might be frustrated by how long it takes to get back up to full speed but it’s very important that you don’t overdo it and work yourself too hard. You’ll be in prime form again soon but let your body dictate the right pace.
6. Set Workout Goals
Do you want to spend twenty minutes on a treadmill? Maybe you want to jog for a half-mile. Perhaps you want to do ten reps of weights. Whatever you want, set a goal for yourself and try your hardest to stick to it as you return to the gym. Make sure you start your goals as small, achievable things and then work your way up from there.
7. Celebrate Yourself
You did it! You’re back at the gym and you’re taking care of yourself again. Good for you! That is a great thing and you should pat yourself on the back, celebrate, and encourage yourself to keep it up. Well done, it isn’t easy to get back on the exercise horse but you are doing it and you should be very proud of yourself.
