After months of daily walks and home workouts, we can now boost our fitness further by being able to return to the gym.
Here are a few pieces of simple advice for those looking to throw themselves back in to it, in the hope of avoiding injury:
1) Ease back in to it gradually
Whether you’ll be spending your time on the free weights, in the swimming pool or on a treadmill, most of us have had 6 months off so we can’t expect to be doing anywhere near the intensity levels of before lockdown. Start easy, build up.
2) Familiarise yourself with your new environment
As is to be expected, there are now various new safety measures in place to keep customers and staff members safe. A lot of them may seem obvious, but have a read through your individual gym’s procedures and ask a coach or member of staff if you have any questions or anxieties. Oh, and be patient with the others as we all now try to figure it out together.
3) Plan your workout in advance
As time may now be limited in the gym, it may be wise to plan your workout in advance so that you can take advantage of every second that you have in there.
4) Take a note of any new aches/pains/injures
As previously mentioned, if you do not ease yourself back in to exercise after months away, you could put yourself at risk of injury. Injuries can sometimes take a day or two to present themselves, which is why it is better to start with “easy” sessions and build back up, whilst assessing how everything feels as your body adjusts. When you’re next in clinic for a treatment, speak with me about any aches/pains or injuries that do not settle by themselves, as the earlier they are identified the sooner they can be treated.
5) Continue to look after yourself outside of the gym
Diet, sleep & mental health are all equally as important, as well as recovery, which can come in the form of regular Maintenance Massages.