After months in lockdown a lot of us are having trouble getting off the couch and back into the gym.
It’s no secret, being active has many benefits, everything from brain function to heart health to sleep quality and of course mental health. Knowing exercise is good for you often doesn’t translate into the motivation needed to start. Whatever your motivators, here are a few ideas to get you started.
Make a commitment to someone
Some people prefer training solo but for the rest of us there is nothing more motivating than meeting a friend for a work out.
You’re less likely to hit snooze if you are leaving your workout buddy in the lurch and if you’re just getting started it can be fun learning with a friend not to mention the coffee afterwards.
If your friend’s schedule doesn’t suit yours, you may want to consider booking a personal trainer to keep you accountable and set you on the right path.
Take your time
If you had a strict routine two months ago don’t expect to pick up where you left off, last thing you want is to injure yourself. You may need to start with a few minutes a day of cardio and work your way up to longer workouts, incorporating weights.
The point is to fix your body, not break it. For most of us during the prolonged lockdowns we have been limited to outdoor, body weight exercises so ease yourself back into the gym over the first few weeks and allow your body to adapt to the new exercises and weights.
It’s not all about the workout
If you have a limited time in your day to exercise, make sure you have included time for a pre and post workout routine. This should include a gentle warm up to start with and an adequate cool down and stretching routine at the end. You might like to consider getting regular massages.
Go early
‘Win the morning, win the day’ the saying goes. Exercise is energising so it’s the perfect way to start your day not to mention you’ve avoided 10 hours of justifying your way out of going.
For those that cannot make the early morning, most workplaces are now more flexible and with work from home orders still in place, plan some time for you during the day and make exercise a priority for your mental and physical health. One hour of exercise is only 4% of your day so no excuses!
0418 344 810
88 Buckley St Footscray
www.exerciseroom.com.au
