The coronavirus and Covid-19 pandemic has impacted many areas of many of our lives. From having to work from home to homeschooling kids, not being able to see friends and family and not being able to engage with the social activities you usually would. When it comes down to it, we’ve all had to experience changes. One area that is impacting many in a way that’s particularly detrimental to overall health? Gyms, fitness classes, and sports clubs closing. For many months, a lot of us found ourselves only being able to walk, jog, run, or (if you have a bike) cycle in the local area. But as vaccines are being rolled out and life appears to be returning to normal, many gyms, fitness classes, sports clubs, and other fitness facilities are opening back up. So what should you do to ease yourself back into your fitness regime? Here are some tips that should help you along the way!
Giving Your Body the Right Fuel
When we think of exercise, we tend to automatically think of the actual activity. But before we get to that, it’s important to make sure that you’re fuelling your body properly for whatever exercise you’re planning on carrying out. Generally speaking, this means making sure that you have the right fuel through food, as well as ensuring that you are hydrated. Take a look at your diet and ensure that you’re consuming the right amount of calories for the amount of exercise you’re carrying out. Ensure you’re getting your five a day. Make sure that you’re getting sufficient protein. You may even want to try some cheap pre-workouts to give you a pre-workout energy boost.
Deciding What You Want to Do
Some of us can’t wait for the gym to reopen. This provides us with a climate-controlled, dry space where we can access all sorts of machines and equipment that will help us along our fitness journey. But it’s important to remember that gyms aren’t your only option. Perhaps the lockdown has given you time to consider some things you’d like to do and try out when they open back up. Some good ideas include:
- Personal training sessions
- Dance classes
- Swimming
- Pole fitness
- Sports teams
- Yoga classes
The list, of course, goes on. But this should highlight that not all exercise has to be conventional and that there are many options out there for you to take into consideration and even try out yourself!
Stick With it
After a year and a half of being relatively sedentary, getting back to fitness can feel draining and hard. You may have aches when you first get back to it. But make sure to power on! In the end, your efforts will be more than worth it.
Of course, getting back into a regime will be different for everyone, as different things work for different people. But hopefully, some of the above advice should help you on your way and encourage you to reach your recommended one hundred and fifty minutes of moderate aerobic exercise a week!
