Now that spring weather and longer days are here (yay!), you might be feeling ready to reconnect with a movement routine that works for you. But where to start?
Set goals.
After taking a long break from physical activity, most people will not be able to perform at the same level they once did. Be kind to yourself! It’s a cliche, but showing up is often the hardest part. Set small, realistic goals— when you achieve a goal, your brain releases dopamine, AKA the happy hormone. You’re far more likely to continue to show up for yourself if you keep feeling those little bursts of dopamine, and in turn, more likely to achieve those “big goals” in the long run!
Be safe.
There’s no rush. Get back into movement at a pace that feels good for your body. It can be as simple as starting with a walk each day, or one flexibility class each week. When you’re ready, you can slowly and gradually increase the intensity of your routine. Also, consider mixing it up! Our bodies and minds aren’t fans of doing the same repetitive movements over and over again. Varying your workouts to include different types of movement and muscle groups will reduce your risk of injury.
Stay patient with yourself.
Be gentle. When we fall out of a consistent movement schedule, getting back into it can feel stressful and daunting. That’s okay! Begin at a level that is manageable for you, and try to savour each small win. Most importantly: Don’t overdo it. Get to know your body and listen to its cues. Something that I often discuss in classes is paying attention to your DOMS, or delayed onset muscle soreness. You can read my full
blog post about it here.
Looking for a starting point? Why not sign up for a class with me!