Are you considering restarting your fitness journey? Whether it’s been months or even years, it can be daunting to think about getting back into a routine.
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But the truth is, it’s never too late to start!
Regular exercise is key for maintaining good health, and it’s never too late to start. So, let’s not procrastinate one more day, and take the first step towards a healthier and more active lifestyle. With a bit of planning and determination, you’ll be back in shape in no time!
In this guide, I’ll take you through the process of safely returning to exercise after a long hiatus. From assessing your current fitness level to setting realistic goals, I’ll provide you with all the tools and tips you need to get back on track. So, what are you waiting for? Let’s get moving!
Importance of exercise for overall health and well-being
Exercise is the ultimate elixir for overall health and well-being. It’s a powerful tool that can help you maintain a healthy weight, improve your cardiovascular health, boost your mood, and even prolong your life.
Regular exercise can also help reduce your risk of chronic diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and certain cancers. It not only improves your physical health but also helps with your mental health and cognitive function.
It’s a known fact that regular exercise has a positive impact on your mood, and reduces stress, anxiety, and depression. In short, exercise is essential for living a healthy and fulfilling life. So, don’t let a long hiatus hold you back.
Add incorporating exercise into your daily routine today and experience the numerous benefits it has to offer.
Assessing your current fitness level
Assessing your current fitness level is the first step in safely returning to exercise after a long hiatus.
It’s important to have a clear understanding of where you stand so you can set realistic goals and create a plan that’s tailored to your needs.
Consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new exercise program.
Keeping a workout journal is a great way to track your progress.
Write down how you feel during your workouts, or by measuring your weight, body fat percentage, or other key parts of your fitness.
With the right approach, you can create a plan that’s tailored to your needs, and make steady progress toward reaching your fitness goals.
Set realistic goals
Realistic fitness goals are the key to a successful return to exercise. Remember that progress takes time, and it’s essential to set goals that are achievable and sustainable in the long run.
Tips for setting realistic fitness goals:
- Break down your long-term goals into smaller, more manageable goals. Instead of setting a goal to run a marathon in six months, start by setting a goal to run a 5K within the next three months.
- Set specific goals that are easy to measure. For example, instead of setting a goal to “exercise more”, set a goal to “exercise for 30 minutes, three times a week.”
- Consider your current fitness level, schedule, and lifestyle when setting your goals. Make sure goals are challenging, but also achievable and realistic.
- Create a plan that outlines the specific steps you will take to achieve your goals. Include scheduling specific workout times, identifying potential obstacles, and coming up with solutions to overcome them.
- Consistency is key when it comes to achieving your fitness goals. Sticking to your plan, even on days when you don’t feel like it, is crucial to making progress.
By following these tips, you’ll be able to set realistic fitness goals that are tailored to your specific needs and that will help you make steady progress towards reaching your fitness goals.
Start slow and build up gradually
Starting slow and gradually building up is one of the most important principles of a safe and effective exercise program. It allows your body to adapt to the demands of exercise, reduces the risk of injury, and increases the likelihood of success. Jumping into an intense workout program after a long off can lead to frustration, injury, and demotivation.
When returning to exercise, it’s important to start with low-impact activities, such as walking or cycling. This will help you build a strong foundation of cardiovascular fitness, while also allowing your body to adjust. As you become stronger and more fit, you can slowly increase the intensity and duration of your workouts.
For example, if you haven’t exercised in a while, start with a 10-minute walk and increase the duration by 5 minutes each week. Similarly, if you’re looking to build muscle, start with a lightweight and increase the weight as you become stronger.
Remember, results take time. Be patient with yourself, and don’t be afraid to adjust your goals as needed. With the right approach and mindset, you’ll be able to achieve your fitness goals in no time!
Importance of a well-rounded exercise program
Be sure to include a variety of exercises. They should target different areas of the body, including cardiovascular, strength, and flexibility training.
Cardio exercises lower blood pressure, improve heart health, and boost weight loss. These include activities such as walking, cycling, and swimming,
Lifting weights is not just for bodybuilders. Strength training is great for burning body fat while boosting muscle mass and maintaining bone density.
Flexibility training is especially important for fitness over 50. It helps you to maintain your balance, range of motion, and mobility.
By including different exercises in your workout routine, you will keep your workouts fun and interesting while working towards your fitness goals.
How to stay motivated
Staying motivated and overcoming common challenges can be difficult when it comes to working out, especially for those over 50. However, with the right mindset and approach, you can stay motivated and achieve your fitness goals.
One of the best ways to stay motivated is to set specific, and achievable goals. This gives you a clear direction and something to work towards. It’s also important to track your progress and celebrate your accomplishments, no matter how small they may be.
Find a workout buddy or join a fitness class. Having someone to exercise with can help to hold you accountable and provide support and encouragement. Additionally, a fitness class can provide a fun and social environment that will make your workout more enjoyable.
It’s also important to remember that setbacks and challenges are a normal part of the journey. So, don’t get discouraged if you have a bad day or miss a workout. Instead, focus on getting back on track, and don’t beat yourself up over it.
Tips to help you stay motivated and focused:
- Set specific, measurable, and achievable goals
- Track your progress and celebrate your accomplishments
- Find a workout buddy or join a fitness class
- Be consistent and make exercise a part of your daily routine
- Don’t get discouraged by setbacks or challenges, focus on getting back on track
- Mix up your workout routine to prevent boredom
- Listen to music or audiobooks during your workout to make it more enjoyable
- Reward yourself for reaching a milestone or achieving a goal
- Be patient and remember that progress takes time.
Conclusion
Returning to exercise after a long hiatus can be challenging, but it’s an important step towards a healthier, more active lifestyle. Assess your current fitness level, set realistic goals, start slow, and include a variety of exercises in your workout routine.
Stay motivated and overcome common challenges by setting specific goals, tracking progress, finding a workout buddy, being consistent, and not getting discouraged. Remember to choose exercises you enjoy and that fit your lifestyle for sustainable and enjoyable exercise.
Claudia Faucher is a full-time fitness training expert and lifestyle blogger. She is also been a certified Les Mills BodyPump instructor for the past 5 years and a fitness instructor for over 20 years. Claudia is a personal trainer and creates fitness training programs for seniors and people of all ages. She likes to use her skills and experiences to help others on their fitness journeys.
