Coming Back After Time Off

Many of you reading this haven't been consistent with your fitness lately. Maybe you were on vacation over the holidays. Maybe family and work stress got the best of you. Maybe you needed a mental break.

Whatever the reason, you've slacked off a bit. Instead of dwelling on the past and all the coulda, shoulda, and woulda, look and move forward.

That said, you may not be at the level you were a few weeks, months, or years ago. Fine. You're here.

The worst thing you can do is jump back in full speed and/or punish yourself for your regressions. START SLOW AND APPROPRIATELY. Make a small-term goal of exercising three times per week for a month. Then, add a day during month two. At first, don't try and lift the weight you used to, scale down and focus on the quality of movement. In time, you will eventually get back to your former self.

Don't try and do too much too soon. You'll overload yourself and you may end up disappointed, or worse, hurt. You may have the mental fortitude to push, but your body needs time. Be kind to yourself, forgive your past lack of motivation, and get excited about starting anew.