Easing Back into Post-Pandemic Exercise
If you’ve been off your workout game for a little while and find the idea of returning to action a little daunting, then fear not! Lockdown has meant that many of us haven’t been able to enjoy the levels of exercise and outdoor activity that we’re used to enjoying in the real world. If you’re struggling to convince yourself to return to exercise after the pandemic ends, then here are the absolute reasons why you should do just that.
Remember the Good Times
You might have been doing plenty of this already, but thinking back to better times where you’ve enjoyed exercise will help you get into the right frame of mind to return to action. Protecting your mental health during the pandemic is important, so don’t let the fact that you haven’t worked out in a while get you down or make you lose confidence in your abilities. Think back to a good performance as part of a sports team, or when you might have won a race or a tournament and this will likely inspire you to get back outdoors and working out again when you’re allowed to.
Ease Back into Things
One of the best ways to ease back into exercise and make it seem like much less of a daunting prospect is to get back into things by exercising at home. Take things easy when exercising at home, especially if you’re struggling with an injury or a loss of confidence in your own abilities. Don’t expect to run your fastest 5k or make a slam dunk when you’re back at it. It’s normal to have to work your way back in physical activity; just be patient and only then will you succeed. If you’ve got your body used to working out again, then you’ll suffer from far few aches and pains during that first session back after the pandemic ends.
See a Physical Therapist
You should see a physical therapist, like Physio Double Bay, if you’re struggling with a sports injury, but this shouldn’t put you off returning to action once you’ve healed. Motivating yourself to exercise again isn’t always easy, but it’s important not to let an injury or issue deter you from continuing to play a sport if you have a painful collision or muscle tear. Soccer is a good example of when this can happen. If you suffer a bone dislocation or contact injury, then returning to full throttle training can be daunting after you’ve recovered from an injury. However, if you rehabilitate properly with a physical therapist, then you do not need to be worried about a repeat or similar injury when back playing again.
Hopefully, this overview will help to restore some confidence in you and allow you to achieve the right mental state to return to action once more COVID-19 restrictions ease. Remember, injury, a lack of practice, or poor mental health don’t have to prevent you from returning to exercise.