Starting the gym again after a long break is not very easy. It takes a lot of effort, self-motivation, and zeal to grasp all the lost energy and start working out. Some hit back the machines with the mindset of lifting like you did and some sweat on the treadmill to challenge the previous records.
Wrong approach, bizarre mindset, and ego training do more harm than good.
Here are some tips to keep in mind when you start gym again after a long break:
1. You are not what you were yesterday:
After a gap( let that be of a month or a year), Your body can not perform at the same efficiency that you build over a period of time. It needs some time to adjust muscles.
Be calm, you are not here to continue what you had. Start slow and build your body strength.
2. Consistency:
The Initial days will just ask for your consistency, do not focus on results. Just try to be regular to your workout regime and build back the habit you left. A study shows it takes 21 days to build a habit. You should apply the same. Just keep hitting the gym every day irrespective of what you feel.
3. Diet Check:
Often people go harsh on them from Day 1. Counting Calories, Checking Macros, Water Intake, and Supplements. This mindset will do more harm than good in two ways.
Firstly, Your Current lifestyle will attract you back and you will not be able to continue your diet check with the same strictness as Day 1. Secondly, You will be eager for results which will ultimately lead to disappointment.
This all leads to the cooling of the gym fire and you quitting the gym again.
Instead, Just focus on building the habits initially. Try to avoid foods from outside and be strict to only home foods. Develop a liking for fruits and vegetables which you usually avoid. Educate yourself about what Macros are and how they play a vital role in your body’s functioning.
“Invest time in educating yourself about nutrition and fitness, The more you learn the better you can apply it”
4. Motivation:
I am a firm believer that “ motivation from external sources is as good as fulfilling nutritional requirements through supplements”. It will help you when needed but you can not restrict your life around it.
You have to find it inside you, You have to create the fire within you. Define why you started your fitness journey and take all those problems personally. Every time you feel lazy about hitting the gym go back to the reasons why you were not happy with the lifestyle you were living.
“Define Your Why On DAY 1 and Respect it till DAY ∞ “
5. Gym Progress Gallery:
I always advise you to have a private gallery for your gym progress. Make a hidden folder and keep updating your weekly progress.
You can include your full body pictures, your weight scale pictures, your favorite recipe pictures
Or even make a collage of your current picture with your earlier gym photos. Keep a check on your progress and improvise accordingly.
Avoid being too vocal on social media about your gym lifestyle, firstly you will waste time impressing people who are not personally attached to your fitness goals.
Secondly, harsh comments and negativity will not work as motivation for all.
You started your journey for yourself, Keep it for yourself.
Your results will automatically bring genuine appreciation.
Concluding it, Just focus on building the habit of working out. Be consistent when you start gym again after a long period. Once the habit builds back and you find a passion for the weights, sweat, and the clean diet you can increase your fitness goals and achieve new heights.
Always remember it is You vs You. All-The-best. All-Men-Tree.
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