31/08/2020
With the new lockdown levels set at 2, most gyms and fitness centres are open for business💪😁
This is great news for those keen to get back to their pre-lockdown exercise routines and get back in the ‘groove’.🤸♀️🏋️♀️🏃
Whether it is training as an athlete for a specific sport, getting that summer body, or just simply wanting to get moving...it is important to remember that you are starting from scratch (technically). This is an amazing opportunity to re-evaluate your previous programs. Were you achieving your goals? Were you still enjoying that program? Was the need to get to the gym placing extra stress on you?😓🤔
Whether it was gym, cardio, crossfit, etc. It is vital to take the next 7 points into consideration:
1. Set goals – what are your goals that you want to achieve in the next two, four and 6 weeks. Be realistic like in any other goal. Write it down. Place it where you can see it. This will serve as motivation especially in these few winter mornings.
2. Be consistent- this doesn’t mean going every day. Take an off day or two during these first 2-3 weeks. Still be active on your off days but use it as recovery days (low impact, lower intensity training).
3. Be patient- remember you are not the only one starting ‘from scratch’. It will not be the same as before, 10 kg now will be heavier than 10kg pre-lockdown. Your muscles probably de-conditioned over time or if you were training, they were conditioned differently.
4. Pace yourself- remember that injuries occur through the 3 too’s....too much, too soon or for too long. Build up gradually with your training. You will get back to your previous levels if you lay the foundation properly.
5. You will have discomfort and stiffness- this is normal when starting off again. It is that nice feeling that you had a workout and feels like a goal box ticked. It should be discomfort and not pain. If you classify it as pain and it is there for longer than 3-4 days, it is an indication that you overdid it. If this doesn’t clear up then I would suggest consulting your physiotherapist.
6. Post covid recovery. If you were diagnosed with covid, take it extra slow. It is normal to have lower energy levels for weeks post covid recovery. If you had severe symptoms lasting for longer than 7 days it is recommended that you consult your doctor before you start with exercises.
7. BE EXCITED. ADHERE TO THE GYM RULES AND CONTINUE WITH THE SELF HYGIENE PROTOCOLS. BUT MOST OF ALL, ENJOY IT.
Stay safe.
The BayPhysiotherapy team