During the summer heat, with social gatherings, partying, events, and festivals, you might have indulged in the season and let your workouts slide, or even skipped them entirely. Want to return to your previous workout routine or start exercising again after several months off? If you’re struggling to get started or don’t know how to begin, here are some useful tips to ease your return to exercise.
Commitment: The first and most important step is to commit. Without this, nothing will happen. You might keep postponing until tomorrow, but soon you’ll find yourself saying, “I’ll start on Monday” when it’s already Friday. It’s easy to find yourself waiting until the December holidays, having done little for your health and fitness. Set a specific date for starting. If starting on September 1 feels too abrupt after an intense summer, give yourself a bit of preparation time—half a week or even a full week. Let the kids go back to school, get ready for work, accept that summer is over, and embrace the autumn routine.
Timing: The timing of your workouts is crucial. During the Indian summer, you might feel tempted to enjoy the good weather as long as it lasts. While this is a great mindset, you should also find a way to fit exercise into your schedule. My first tip, which might be challenging for many (including myself), is early morning workouts. Why is this beneficial? It allows you to complete your daily “mandatory” exercise first thing in the morning, go to work, and then enjoy a long afternoon with friends or family. You can still make the most of the end of summer. Of course, not everyone is a morning person. For those who prefer not to exercise early, it’s important not to postpone workouts until late afternoon or evening, as they might be sacrificed for other activities. Set a fixed time. Don’t hit the snooze button in the morning, and don’t let anyone distract you with spontaneous plans in the afternoon. If needed, ask for help to shift your plans by an hour.
Workout Plan: Have a plan. It’s important to have a workout routine to follow. Start gradually. While muscle memory does exist and “muscle doesn’t forget,” the first few workouts should be enjoyable and not discouraging. Begin the week with 3-4 one-hour sessions. Choose exercises from your favorite routines but avoid the easiest, least challenging ones. You should feel pleasantly tired and motivated to continue working out throughout the week. Include proper rest periods, but don’t overdo it.
Partner: If you’re not one to exercise alone and find it hard to start by yourself, get someone from your circle to join you. It could be a workout session with friends, a morning routine with your partner, or a post-work workout with a colleague. Starting together can make the initial steps easier, and your partner might enjoy it and become a regular workout buddy.
Additional Tips: Wear your favorite workout clothes. Find a new piece of equipment to try or a new type of exercise you’ve been curious about. Download your favorite motivating music. Reward yourself after a workout with a small treat, like a protein shake, refreshing smoothie, sunbath, a cool dip in the water, or a light dinner with friends or family.
Remember, exercising is good. Don’t view it as a burden—there are many types of exercise to try. Experiment and find what suits you best. Make exercise a part of your routine and don’t let anything deter you. Instead, organize workouts with your social circle.
Happy exercising, everyone!