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Getting Back To Fitness in a Few Simple Steps

Returning to the gym after a long break can be overwhelming. The following five tips from Cooper Fitness Center can help you reignite your exercise routine with ease.

1. Choose Something You Enjoy

When it comes to getting back to the gym, the first and most important thing is to begin with an exercise you enjoy. It takes discipline and preparation, so choosing something you look forward to doing is key.

Exercises can include walking around an outdoor track with a friend, doing a circuit in the weight room, taking your favorite group exercise class or even swimming laps in the pool.

2. Get Moving

Whatever you decide, it’s important to find something that gets you moving and allows you to build discipline and routine first. Over time, it will be important to balance out your week with resistance training, cardiovascular exercise, flexibility and recovery. But to start, it’s just about getting you moving.

3. Keep It Simple

You want toned arms and a stronger core, but when choosing what to focus on, the key is to keep it simple. Think about what you ask of your body on a daily basis and re-create that in the weight room. For example, if your job requires a lot of upper body strength or you find yourself bending down to pick up your kids frequently, try adding load or resistance to those familiar patterns.

Below is a sample workout to help you get started. The following plan will help keep your primary movers (legs and arms) strong and your body well stabilized.

2-3 sets, 15 reps each exercise

Kettlebell goblet squat (squat while holding kettlebell at chest level)
Push-ups
Band row
Stability ball hamstring curl
Plank (30 seconds)

4. Consider Personal Training

If finding the energy to get to the gym is tough for you, consider working with a professional fitness trainer. The education and assistance you receive from a trainer is beneficial in developing a program personalized for you. By assessing your needs and limitations, personal trainers can help you achieve better quality of movement and develop safe and effective exercises to meet your goals.

Working with a personal trainer also provides accountability. Having a predetermined training time holds a lot of weight for some who are starting their exercise journey or may have a hard time being consistent with it. Knowing someone else is relying on you to show up can be the boost you need to get going.

Small Group Training (SGT) is also an ideal fit for people who enjoy working out in a group setting, but also want the instruction of a trainer. SGT classes create not only an engaging exercise environment, but the participants hold each other accountable.

5. Create a Schedule

It’s easy to set goals for yourself, but how do you ensure you follow through and make your new exercise routine part of your lifestyle?

Make it an appointment just like you would any other important task of the day. Even if you only have time for a 10-minute walk or 20 push-ups while watching your favorite show, try to start adopting a lifestyle of activity and exercise.

No matter what, always stay the course and continue to move in the right direction. One discipline is normally followed by others, so get the ball rolling and watch how your life can change in the most positive way.

For more information about personal training or to schedule a session with a professional fitness trainer, visit cooperfitnesscenter.com or call 972.233.4832.