After almost two years of lockdowns, gym after a long break home workouts, and routine changes… Gyms are finally open again in Toronto! Which is really exciting and a great opportunity to start working on those fitness goals again. But, we get it… Returning to the gym after a long time can feel intimidating. Which is why we put together a few easy tips on how to get back into the gym as soon as you’re ready!
1. Have a Plan
First things first… Failing to plan is planning to fail!
So, before you head into the gym, we encourage you to take a few minutes to set some goals and think of a plan:
- How often do you want to go to the gym?
- Do you want to take group classes or follow a program?
- Are you hoping to lose weight? Gain muscle? Get some endurance back?
- Are you interested in working with a personal trainer?
These are just a few questions you can ask yourself to define what you want to do and how to achieve it. Make sure you are scheduling your workouts in advance to help you stay consistent too!
Getting back on track with a personal trainer is also a great idea! They will help you develop the ideal fitness program for you and your goals without you having to guess!
So, feel free to give us a call to help you get started and build a game plan for you!
2. Start Slowly
Slow and steady wins the race!
Rushing back into the gym after a long break is not ideal. It can lead to injury and burnout. So, take it slow! Start by getting 2-3 workouts in during your first week and work your way up from there!
You don’t have to commit to a full month or year of workouts. Give your body some time to get used to it again!
Taking a class or following a structured program is a great way to get started! It takes all the guesswork out of the equation. All you have to do is show up, which makes it easier to stick to it!
So be sure to give our multi-level workouts a try! We’ll leave a link to our schedule here too so you can book your spot in advance!
3. Prioritize Recovery
Sometimes, the most productive thing you can do for your fitness goals is resting!
It’s okay to push yourself and work hard in the gym. In fact, that’s great! BUT… Your body also needs well-deserved rest days (especially after a long period of not training).
If you took a long break from the gym, you might be quite sore after the first few workouts. And it is so important to give your body a few days per week to rest and recover. Doing so will help you go even harder during your next session. So don’t feel guilty for taking rest days!
Now, resting doesn’t necessarily mean doing nothing all day long. You can use your rest days to stretch out your muscles, foam roll or maybe go for a walk. This will help you stay active in a gentle way that will promote recovery and get you closer to your goals.
At the end of the day, if you were wondering how to get back into the gym. The best thing you can do is planning, talking with a professional and taking it slow! Working out again should be exciting, not overwhelming or stressful!
It is also an amazing time to sign up for our 7-Day Trial to help you get back into it! And we will be here to support you every step of the way!