It can be hard to stay disciplined and stick to a regular workout routine. Maybe you had one in the past, but then you got caught up in work, school, or something else, and you stopped exercising. If that’s the case, don’t worry, it happens to everyone at some point or another. To help you get back into a healthy routine, check out these three ways to bust out of your workout rut.
#1: Ease Back into Exercise
If you haven’t worked out in a while and you’re just now getting back into it, it’s best to take it slow. After a long break, your body likely won’t be able to handle the same stresses that it could when you were regularly exercising, so don’t try to do too much when you’re just starting out. Remember that there’s nothing wrong with taking it slow.
You should try to take small steps to lower your risk of a pulled muscle, debilitating soreness, or other injury, as these are all ailments which commonly befall people who aren’t accustomed to working out. Before you start doing any heavy exercise, make sure to stretch and take part in some kind of warm up routine first. Doing this will help get your blood pumping and make your muscles more limber and prepared for intensive exercise. You can also use a portable massage gun for quick recovery post workout. A massage gun like Exogun DreamPro helps in reviving muscles and boosts their function by penetrating deep into muscle tissues with a series of rapid strokes so you can recover faster and live better.
There are a huge variety of products out there that can help you stretch and warm up more efficiently. For example, a basic foam roller can help you stretch anything from your legs to your lower back, and you can use it to relieve soreness post-workout. You might also consider purchasing a jump rope, as it’s a great warm up tool that can help you improve your balance and coordination, get your heart rate going, and make you feel nice and loose.
#2: Get Outdoors
If you’re reluctant to head to the gym and lift weights, then you should try doing some exercise outdoors. Working out outdoors is a great way to get back into a fitness routine and have fun while doing it.
There are tons of benefits to getting out and exercising in the sunshine. First off, it allows you to save money since you don’t have to pay for any gym membership fees. Outdoor exercise can also boost your mood—getting fresh air, basking in sunlight, and surrounding yourself with nature all have positive effects on your mental health and can help to reduce feelings of stress and anxiety.
So, what are the best ways to exercise outdoors? Well, what’s best depends on your own preferences, but there are virtually endless ways to do it. If you’re looking for something super simple, you could take a long walk around your neighborhood, jog in a nearby park, or purchase a great bike and take it for a ride.
On the other hand, if you’re seeking a little more adventure, you could go on a hike with scenic views or even try out trail running. In this case, you’ll want to look up the best shoes for trail running and purchase a pair in order to stay comfortable and prevent foot injuries. For hiking, make sure you don’t go with your regular shoes as hiking shoes are completely different which are designed especially for it. Hiking is not something about walking on concrete paths or paved roads but it often involves rough and slippery trail which normal shoes won’t do, so better grip hiking shoes are needed. You can try Loom’s waterproof hiking shoes as they come with all features that hiking shoes must have. These are waterproof which means you will be safe from wet surface, offers better grip with comfort and durability. You definitely want to check these shoes out!
#3: Get Enough Rest
Even a light workout can put a massive strain on your body when you’re just getting back into the groove of things. In order for your muscles to properly recover, you’ll need to get plenty of rest.
Overtraining is one of the most common reasons for injuries among those who begin working out again after not having done it in a while. Some people are in such a rush to get in shape that they neglect to care for themselves by getting the rest they need. They think that going 110% in the gym every single day is the quickest route to getting in shape.
However, this way of thinking is completely wrong. Overtraining is counterproductive because it can result in an injury that puts you out of commission for weeks or months, and sets you way back. So, don’t work out every single day—take some days off just to rest.
Doing heavy workouts three to five days per week is what you should aim for. Spend your off days stretching and trying not to put too much strain on your body. In addition to that, make sure you’re getting enough sleep every night so that your body is able to rest and repair itself.
When you start exercising again, keep in mind that you won’t reach your fitness goals overnight. But don’t let this discourage you. Regular exercise is part of any healthy lifestyle and, if you stick with it in the long-term, you’ll likely see results soon enough.