How to safely restart working out after a long break
Ready to return to your exercise routine? After a long break, the time has come to wake up those sleepy muscles and start moving again. Whether you took a break because life got busy or you just needed a rest, restarting your exercise routine can be both exciting and challenging. But don't worry, here's how you can do so without hurting your body.
Take it slow
Take small steps and avoid pushing yourself too hard. For example, lifting heavy weights or going for long runs right away can strain your muscles and cause problems. The same goes for forcing your body into difficult stretches. Instead, start with low-intensity exercises to see how fit you are. Then, work on improving your endurance and rebuilding your muscles gradually.
Focus on form
By focusing on form, you ensure that you engage the right muscles and minimize the risk of injury. Take the time to learn and understand the proper techniques for each exercise, and then practice them diligently. This attention to detail will not only help you reap the full rewards of your workouts but also establish a strong foundation for future progress.
Mix it up
A good workout routine includes both cardio and strength training. Do a variety of exercises to keep your workouts interesting and target different parts of your body. When you combine cardio exercises with strength training, you get a well-rounded workout. Trying different exercises and workout styles keeps things fun and prevents injuries that can happen from doing the same things over and over again.
Choose the right clothes
To feel comfortable and do your best during workouts, it's important to wear the right apparel. This means having the right shoes and clothes. Choose clothes that fit well and help you stay cool. Make sure your shoes fit right and give you the support you need for exercising. Look for clothes made from breathable materials and keep sweat away from your body.
Stretch it out
Think of your muscles as rubber bands. They need to be strong and flexible to work properly. Stretching is like giving those rubber bands a good stretch to keep them in good shape. Not stretching can result in shortened and tense muscles, leading to weakness and an increased likelihood of injuries. Here are some pre-workout stretches you must do to maintain agility.