BACK TO THE GYM: 5 TIPS FOR A FRESH START!

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The last few months have deprived many of their daily or weekly visits to Éconofitness. We hope you’ve at least enjoyed our great at home workouts on our YouTube channel. Or perhaps you’re more into our dynamic ZOOM workouts, offered by the best coaches (available to Extra members).

Many of us have rediscovered the pleasure of moving outside (which is really good news), but let’s just admit something’s missing without our beloved gym equipment. This equipment makes working out much easier and offers a wider range of exercises. However, make sure you return to your gym workouts in a smart and safe way. Your body will thank you.

Here are five things to keep in mind for your gym comeback:
 

☝ ️MODERATION IS ALWAYS (AND ALWAYS WILL BE) IN GOOD TASTE!
During lockdown, we were often told to take care of ourselves and, among other things, to moderate our alcohol and junk food consumption. That being said, we strongly advise that you moderate your intensity and number of weekly workouts. Slow and steady wins the race. Give your body a chance to get back into the swing of things.

Perhaps your body’s coming out of hibernation, so there’s no point in doing seven workouts a week. Start slowly and let your body recover from each workout. Within a few weeks, your body will be ready to go back to your previous workout frequency. If you kept working out during lockdown, keep in mind that gym workouts are much different, and might be a shock to your body.
 

🏋 OUR WEIGHTS DIDN’T INDULGE IN POUTINE DURING LOCKDOWN, YOU DID!
If you jump right back into your usual weights on your first few visits, you may find them suddenly heavier. It’s perfectly normal! If your muscle hasn’t been challenged to maintain its strength, it’s become lazy. It’s physiological!

In this case, it is wise to start with smaller weights and gradually work your way back up. Working your way back to these weights will surely be quicker than the first time around. If you go too fast, you’ll get very sore and need so much rest that you’ll slow down your progress. Remember that you have access to simple
workout programs to gradually get you back into the swing of things.
 

📉 REVISIT YOUR GOALS
Be kind and gentle to yourself. Set realistic goals for yourself. Don’t pick up where you left off! As mentioned earlier, you’ll want to gradually get back into your workout pace and give your body time to adapt. If you need help setting realistic goals, treat yourself to one or more private workout sessions with a certified Fittcoach. Your gym comeback will be that much more motivating!

Most importantly, don’t worry about your “summer body,” as you already have it (that’s right!). All it takes to get a summer body is a body… and summer. Good news, you have a body, and summer is right around the corner. You’re all set. 😉
 

🩹 INJURED TRYING A NEW WINTER SPORT?
This winter, many people started snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, downhill skiing or ice skating without really knowing the right techniques. For some, simply shovelling without bending their knees properly put too much strain on their backs. Others just tripped while playing with the kids or slipped on a patch of ice. In any case, if you have a new boo-boo, please don’t ignore it, even if it seems trivial. First, see a health care professional who can guide you through the next steps of rehabilitation. You must adapt your workout so as not to aggravate your pain or make your injury worse.
 

🥳 FUN! FUN! FUN!
We can’t say it often enough. Gym visits should be fun. With the right weights and mindset, choose exercises that you enjoy doing and that make you feel good. The more you love what you do, the more you’ll want to keep doing it. Fun will always be the real key to success, no matter your workout goal or reason to hit the gym!
Increase your fun level and extend your relaxation in the
Platinum Zone. That’s also part of the workout!



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