Make A Move

IF IT’S BEEN A WHILE SINCE YOU’VE PUT ON YOUR ACTIVEWEAR, THAT’S NO BIGGIE – GETTING BACK INTO EXERCISE ISN’T AS OVERWHELMING AS YOU’D EXPECT. WE’VE ROUNDED UP SOME TIPS TO GET YOU MOVING.

- Julia Braybrook

Whether it’s been a few months or a few years, the thought of starting a new fitness regime can be seriously daunting. Of course you already know the benefits of regular exercise – a healthier heart, longer life and improved mood, to name a few – so it’s really just a matter of getting stuck in. With so many workouts available these days from aerial yoga to good old running, you’re bound to find something you enjoy, too. Here’s what to keep in mind as you pull on your gym shoes.

First things first

Regardless of how long it’s been, don’t be hard on yourself about where you’re at – fitness isn’t linear; there are plenty of ups and downs over time. Whether it’s a busy schedule, injury or starting a family that saw you take a break, there are periods during everyone’s life when it’s okay to be a little out of shape.

Before your first workout, think about why you took a break from exercise, and if the reason has since been addressed. If work was too hectic to make it to the gym, do you now have a better work/ life balance? If you became bored with your old workout, have you found a fun routine? If you took a break because of injury, has this been treated? If you take care of the obstacles that stood in your way previously, you’re more likely to stick with your new routine.