Starting to exercise after a period of inactivity (such as after a holiday or an injury) can be quite a challenge. However, it is important for your health, and if you want to achieve your goals, to get moving again quickly. And the good news is, it doesn't have to be unpleasant at all! You don't have to immediately pick up where you left off with your workouts; you can build up gradually (which is actually very sensible) and first ensure that you gets more daily exercise again, or trains at a lower intensity.
Taking matters into our own hands
Every beginning is difficult, but getting out of that lazy chair and gathering the courage to actually *go* are the hardest things. Once you have started, it is usually not that bad, and you will find that you quickly regain your enthusiasm. Research shows that exercising provides a good feeling because it increases the sense of self-control. The feeling that you are contributing to improving your health, strength, and fitness feels powerful and good. Moreover, especially in the beginning, you will notice that your strength and stamina will improve rapidly.
Knowing what you want
What one person loves to do, another might find completely unappealing. There are countless sports activities you can do, so why not choose the most fun one? Especially when you are starting to exercise or play sports, it is important to do something you enjoy. Have you ever done a sport you liked? Then pick it up again. Or try something completely different. It doesn't hurt to think outside the box when choosing a form of exercise that suits you. Do you prefer being outdoors, do you prefer playing sports indoors, or perhaps a combination of both? For example, you could go dancing, mountain biking, swimming, playing football, skating, padel, boxing, windsurfing, surfing, kitesurfing, or running. In the winter, you can go skiing, ice skating, cross-country skiing, or snowboarding. Do what you enjoy so that it is easier to get started and stick with it.
Start exercising
Make sure you have at least one set of (sports) clothing that fits well, that you feel comfortable in, and that suits the activity you are going to do. If you are doing an outdoor activity, consider whether you might need rain gear, so that the lack of it cannot be an excuse not to go. Perhaps you would prefer not to exercise alone, but with a friend, acquaintance, or family member. If you meet up together, you are more inclined to go, and time will pass much faster. Training with someone else often ensures that you push yourself just that little bit harder not to be outdone by the other person, and vice versa. This will have a positive effect on your progress. Do make sure, however, that you do not eat large meals or heavy snacks (high-fat meals) right before exercising or training. This can cause you problems! And make sure you always have enough to drink with you.
Try out this assignment:
Schedule a workout for the coming week. As soon as you have completed it, ask yourself these questions:
- How was it?
- Did you feel satisfied afterwards?
- Do you see yourself doing this more often?
- If so, schedule regular times to go again. If not, try something else you like better. But don't give up right away!
The reward you will start to experience after a few weeks is improved stamina, a fitter and stronger body, better health and energy levels, and that gives you a better sense of self.
Are you struggling to get back into action on your own after the summer holidays?
Then sign up here for an intake interview with a try-out! Together, we will look at what you need to make this happen.
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