8 Tips for Getting Back into Shape

It’s been awhile since you last exercised regularly…and now you're trying to figure out how to get back into the swing of things. 

Establishing a workout routine again can feel overwhelming when you haven't done it in a while. Not only is this a goal that you can definitely accomplish, but it's also one that can make you look and feel so much better.

If you're ready to tone up, build muscle and get your cardio on, try these tips to help you get back into regularly working out. (Getting back to exercise when you’re a little older? Gohere for advice tailored to your needs.)

Take It Easy

Instead of trying to jump right back in where you left off, ease yourself into it. Introduce your body to activities slowly: Tackle shorter 10-minute workouts or try out some low-intensity exercises.

You could even take the first week to do some simple stretches every day or participate in some low-intensity yoga classes, just so you can get your body used to moving again. After a week or two, challenge yourself by trying more intensive exercises.

Additionally, focus on quality over quantity.

Even if you have to move a little slower, make sure that you're using the proper techniques to create deliberate movements. This helps you avoid injury and actually accomplish what you're hoping to.

Create a Plan With Small, Actionable Goals

One of the best ways to make sure that you stick to your workout routine is to create a plan that outlines specific days for certain activities. For example, maybe you focus on lower-body exercises on Tuesdays.

Create a plan before you start each workout, like what exercises you plan to do for how many reps. You should outline goals that are:

• Specific
• Measurable
• Attainable
• Realistic
• Time-sensitive

These are also known asSMART goals; they give you focus and a reason to keep going, even when you don't feel like it. Whether your goal is to lose 15 pounds or run a 5k, create some objectives and benchmarks to measure your progress toward them.

Gohere for tips on getting the most out of your workouts.

Take Advantage of Rest Days

It may seem counter-intuitive, but taking a day off is imperative for your overall wellness. Even though you're not working out, your body is working hard to replenish and repair itself. Besides, you are trying to create a lifestyle and long-term habit, so it's important that you set realistic expectations.

Warm Up and Cool Down

Warming up prepares your body for activity. The best way to do this is usually through a bit of cardio; try taking a walk or doing some dynamic stretches, like deep lunges or yoga, to get your heart beating.

The cool-down is just as, if not more, important as the warm-up, especially when your muscles are still adjusting to strenuous activity.

After you work muscles for the first time in a while or up your regular intensity, you can experiencedelayed onset muscle soreness, or DOMS, meaning that your muscles feel tight and achy for a few days after. By properly stretching and cooling down after you exercise, you minimize some of your soreness and reduce the amount of time your body needs to recover.

For advice on how to prevent injuries, gohere.

Mix Things Up

Try to keep things interesting by experimenting with new workouts. By doing exercises you haven't done before, you are less likely to compare your current and past performance, which can sometimes lead to feelings of discouragement. By trying something new, you can find fresh motivation and discover fun ways to get your body moving.

Regardless of the moves you choose to get back in shape, just make sure that you're incorporating three key components into your workout routine: flexibility, resistance training and cardiovascular endurance.

Find a Support Group

If you're having trouble finding motivation on your own, it can be really helpful to find a friend or group of friends to help keep you accountable.

Whether your workout buddy has an established exercise regimen or they are just getting started like you, having someone to share your struggles and accomplishments with goes a long way. It's especially helpful if you both have some of the same goals and interests.

Understand Why You Quit in the First Place

In order to create fitness habits that last you a lifetime, you need to examine what caused you to step away in the first place. In some cases, people stop exercising because they are unhappy with their current gym, while others are derailed because they just get burned out.

Once you pinpoint the reason, you can find ways to stick with a fitness routine this time around. If you were burned out or bored, mix up your routine with group classes or a new exercise. If you lose sight of your goals, create a goal tracker to keep you accountable.

Get Your Beauty Sleep

Exercise requires a lot of your body: When you first start working out again, you may experience more fatigue because your body is trying to adjust to the stress and calorie burn.

Listen to your body, and get the rest it's telling you that you need. That may mean that you need to snuggle under the covers for a little longer, and that is totally okay. (Getting a good night’s sleep can become more difficult as you get older; gohere for advice on finding sweet slumber.)

The folks at HelpGuide.org have more advice on restarting a fitness routine.