Here’s a familiar story:
Someone gets into a good routine at the gym, feeling great, seeing results… and then life happens.
Maybe it’s kids, a new job, a big move, or even the need to care for a family member. Whatever the reason, workouts start to slow, and before long, they stop altogether.
Fast forward a few years, and you realize you’re not feeling as energized, strong, or fit as you once did. You’re ready to get back into training but not sure how to do it without burning out. So, what’s the best way to restart?
Start Slowly and Build Momentum!
Here’s some great news if you’ve been active in the past: your body remembers.
Yes, it might take a bit of work to regain your former fitness level, but you’re not starting from scratch. Muscle memory means your body can quickly relearn what it once did, even if those muscles are a bit out of practice.
So where to start? Forget the “old you” for a moment. This is a fresh chapter, and it’s all about progress rather than comparing to where you once were. If you could once crank out 20 push-ups without breaking a sweat, don’t be discouraged if that feels out of reach now. Do what you can, enjoy each step, and take pride in every small win.
When you focus on steady progress, you’ll feel a sense of accomplishment every time you train. Consider jotting down milestones in a new fitness journal—it can be a fun way to track your growth as you recommit to fitness.
Avoid the Urge to Go All In
It’s tempting to throw yourself into high-intensity workouts to “catch up” quickly, but that’s the fast track to soreness—and potentially losing motivation. Instead of diving back into your old routine, start with a basic workout that simply gets you moving. Keep it short and manageable, with light weights if you’re lifting.
If you feel only slightly sore the next day, you’re on the right track. Gradually increase the volume, load, and intensity in your workouts over time. A good rule of thumb? Take a rest day after every two or three training sessions to help your body recover and avoid burnout.
By easing into it, you’ll enjoy the journey more, reduce the risk of injury, and look forward to each session without the dread of extreme soreness.
The Best Plan: Get Guidance from an Expert
While these tips will help you restart your training on your own, why go it alone when you can get expert guidance tailored to you?
At CrossFit Didsbury, we offer free intro consultations to help you make a strong return to fitness. Our expert coaches will talk with you about your exercise history, current fitness level, and goals. From there, they’ll craft a custom plan to ensure you’re not only moving toward your goals but also enjoying the process.
If you’re interested in learning more about group training, nutrition, recovery, or even supplements, our coaches are here to answer all your questions. They’ll help eliminate the guesswork, so you can confidently and efficiently work toward your health and fitness objectives.
Ready to get back on track? Book your free intro consultation with us at CrossFit Didsbury and start making strides today. Our facility is conveniently located in Manchester Didsbury, easily accessible from Chorlton, Northenden, Wythenshawe, Fallowfield, Ladybarn, Heaton Moor, Heaton Mersey, and Withington.
Your fitness journey is a marathon, not a sprint, and we’re here to guide you every step of the way. Whether you’re here for 121 personal training, group classes, or semi-private training, we’ll help you reach your goals with a relaxed, enjoyable, and results-driven approach.
