It had been over 8 years since I had last trained with Precision Athletics, but in September of 2022, I decided it was time to prioritize my health. A coworker and I first started training with Precision in 2013. We worked out twice a week with a personal trainer and participated in several of Precision Athletics’ challenges. Thanks to the Precision team, I was in the best shape of my adult life. I felt strong, focused and energized. I loved my training sessions.

As it happens to many of us, we experience a life change and lose momentum with our fitness habits. It could be that you moved to a new home and haven’t found your local gym, experienced a life change like having a baby, or are recovering from an injury that impacted your ability to train. Many things can influence a change in your fitness habits. For me, it was the increased travel I was required to do as my career evolved. I traveled for weeks at a time which disrupted my routine and over time, I lost my habit of training.

Looking back, I wish I had prioritized my health and continued my commitment to health. The team at Precision even provided me with workouts I could do while away. With my travel schedule, this would have taken some effort and commitment, but the mental and physical benefits would have been worth it. 

Taking a break from the gym can be difficult to recover from but here are some tips to help you get back to the gym:

Start with a plan: 

Develop a workout plan that’s tailored to your fitness level and goals. This will help you stay focused and motivated. A personal trainer is a great resource if you don’t know where to start. They can help you create a realistic plan that will motivate you.

Take it slow: 

Don’t jump back into your previous routine too quickly. Start with light weights and lower-intensity exercises to allow your body to adjust and prevent injury. That is where the benefit of working with a personal trainer comes in. Before starting a fitness program, a personal trainer will give you a complete fitness assessment and then start you on a plan to reduce the risk of injury.

Set realistic goals:  

Don’t expect to immediately achieve the same level of fitness you had before the break. Set achievable goals and gradually increase the difficulty of your workouts as you progress.

Stay consistent: 

Consistency is key when it comes to regaining your fitness. Aim to exercise at least three times a week and gradually increase the duration and intensity of your workouts. On days you are not working out, going for a nice long walk can benefit your health and mind. It’s a nice complement to your gym workouts.

Listen to your body: 

Pay attention to how your body feels during and after your workouts. If you experience pain or discomfort adjust your routine accordingly. It can be helpful to seek advice from a trainer or medical professional. They will be able to help you adjust your plans and keep on track.

Remember to be kind to yourself, life happens, and it’s never too late to get back into the swing of things. Putting your health as a priority is something you won’t regret. Your health is your wealth, after all. Be patient and consistent, and you can regain your fitness and achieve your goals.