If you are going back to the gym after a long absence, the first thing you should do is familiarize yourself with the equipment. You may have used it before, but chances are, you have forgotten some important little step or warning. For any workout regimen, you have to remember that you aren’t in the same shape you were in before you took your break. Plus, if you just start and push yourself too much, you can turn yourself off and sabotage your goals.
So, you must do three things at once. At once? Yes. Get the proper nutrition, which includes adequate sleep, and; begin, or restart, a program that both burns fat (cardio) and builds lean muscle mass. Don’t jump into the deep end though. Start with the minnows and gradually swim your way back to the sharks. Getting back to where you were before you took your break will depend, in part, on how long your break was, but won’t take nearly as long as you fear.
Did you know it takes 21 days to create a new habit? Tony Robbins say it’s like cutting the grooves in a record. So, it will 21 days to cut your new groove for exercise.
Once you’ve done that, it’s much easier not to quit or take long breaks. If you’re tempted, maybe it’s not exercise that’s turning you off. Why did you want to quit in the first place. Was it feeling fat next to all the 20 somethings in their matching gym suits? Or maybe you just hate the gym. Maybe it’s time for a different way of working out. Check out the dozens of different walking workouts and home workouts available.
Many people have started ditching the gym in favor of starting a new sport that provides a good overall workout. That way it’s not boring and you actually look forward to the regimen, rather than seeing it as a necessary “evil”. Think back to any activities from the past or new ones you’ve had an interest in. You just may find a new love that just happens to chisel out an amazing NEW YOU.
BY Sean Spaulding
