by David Smith

Created on: November 18, 2011

Returning to exercising after a period away can be brought about by many things.  It could be a prompting by a physician to get in shape, either as a result of an illness setting in or to prevent an illness from setting in.  It could be due to a recent break up with a significant other and returning to exercising to make oneself appealing to other interests.  It could be fueled by looking in the mirror one day and not liking what is seen.  Whether fueled by impending bad health, current bad health, not liking what is seen in the mirror, or the proverbial mid-life crisis, returning to the gym can be a trying time.  Here are some tips for returning to exercising after a long period away.

The first thing to remember is that after a long period away from exercising, you will not be as young as you were when you left.  As the body ages, it heals slower.  As exercising, specifically strength training, breaks down the muscle tissue used so that it can be rebuilt stronger and better able to answer the demands you are placing on them, healing time is necessary to add to the equation.  Longer periods of rest between exercising sessions, especially when you first start, is necessary.  Instead of exercising every day, as may have been done in your youth, you might need an extra day in between to allow the body time to heal and rebuild.

Another tip is to not let peer pressure, pride or a mixture thereof influence your exercising routines.  "I'm not as good as I once was, but I'm as good once as I ever was" is not just the lyrics in a Toby Keith song, but it is an old saying that basically means that you can't do what you once did with the fervor that you once did it.  Take it slow when you get back into exercising.  It is important to let your body tell you what it is capable of and to respond to it accordingly.  If your body is telling you that it cannot accept the demands that you are placing on it, then slow down and work towards the level of demand that you are placing on your body.  Whatever your body tells you it can or cannot do, do not get discouraged.  Your body will not be able to start performing like you want it to, but you can work up to it.

Chances are, if you are returning to exercising after a period of time away, one of the reasons is a lack of fitness.  A lack of fitness often results in being overweight, or even obese.  This should prompt you to take into

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