Many people are getting back to or considering getting back to their pre-lockdown exercise routines. We all know, that especially when restarting exercise, the temptation is to GO HARD... let us explain why you SHOULDN’T!
Here are some things to consider:
Latest behavioral science tells us that when trying to create any new habit you need to start SMALL & VERY ACHIEVABLE. For e.g. if your goal is to do 1 hour of exercise 3 times a week, start with one 10-min video workout a week, then a 20-min one, then a half-hour, and so on.
If you find yourself wanting to do more, great! You’ll reach your goal even faster 🙂
Pick a form of exercise that resonates with you. It doesn't have to be fashionable, or as impressive as what others at the gym are doing, so long as it works for you.
Be kind to yourself! Your body has likely deconditioned over the work-from-home years.
You won't be able to go straight back to what you were doing two years ago, and that's okay! Start slow and give yourself time to build up again.
Most of the dull body aches that you feel in the first couple of weeks are unlikely to be injuries. They are your muscles saying “Gosh, we haven't done this in a while!"
Luckily we have our resident muscle guru, Stephanie Varney, our Myotherapist, who can help you out with those return to exercise aches.
If you suspect you really have overdone it, or are experiencing intense or sharp discomfort then let our fine team of Osteopaths help you out.
Meanwhile, here’s a collection of essential stretches to prepare your body for exercise and recover afterwards:
Enjoy your return to the world of exercise, the benefits are closer than you think 🙂