Going Back to the Gym

I wanted to write about going back to the gym after taking many months off of any sort of physical activity.

Because at one point or another everyone has to start from scratch, and I do have to say it’s easier staying in shape than it is starting from square 1.

A pre-gym photo-shoot does not hurt either. I try to look cute at the gym, even if I workout in the women’s gym. Confidence helps.

I have obviously gained a lot of weight since I was last a regular gym-goer and it has made a difference in what I do at the gym and how I feel.

My normal gym routine:

1 hour group fitness class ( Tae bo,kickboxing,boot-camp)

OR

Running 1-2 miles.

Some push-ups,planks, free weights and lunges.

I got in, I got sweaty and I got out.

I am usually super focused in the gym, I know what I want to do so I don’t spend time, thinking about what to do and I am really occupied with my thoughts/music so I don’t notice other people.

Now, that I am just using the recumbent bike (it’s better for back support) I have a lot of time to think about how out of shape I look and feel.

And I have to remind myself that I took this time off to make sure my back felt better, yes I did gain weight but it really is not the end of the world.

Once, I figure out a routine, I can work towards possibly losing the extra weight. I know weight loss is a combination of diet and exercise, but I am used to using exercise to shape my diet.

I just naturally eat better when I exercise.

So, what am I doing at the gym?

For starters, I have a gym book. I only read this book at the gym, so it gives me something to do when I am sitting on the bike. Sometimes I get so caught up in the book that I don’t notice the 20 minutes fly by.

I am breaking up my time on the machines into 20 minute increments with lunges, squats and free weights in between.

I don’t like doing the same thing for more than 20 minutes so I really feel like I am getting the best deal out of my workout. Additionally I like having a goal to work towards, 20 minutes, one mile ect.

Walking feels good even if my fastest running mile time is 11 minutes faster.

It’s also different working out at a heavier weight, I feel more of a jiggle when I run, I am not used to it at all. But it’s just another experience that I have to go through.

And finally, I want to be in the gym. For most of the time I took off from working out, I did want to go to the gym.My back was hurting and the last place I wanted to be was at the gym. Now that I am back at my regular gym, it’s contagious, I like the energy of the gym and it makes me feel good.

My goal for working out has never been to reach a certain weight or look a certain way (even though it’s nice to be able to rock a pair of skinny jeans) I honestly feel hardcore when I push myself physically.

And that is what I am going after, that feeling of accomplishment. I miss it.

So even if what I am doing at the gym is not the same as what I am used to do, it’s good to be back and it feels absolutely amazing  to be doing something for myself.

And finally, safety first. When you are beginning any sort of physically activity, take it easyyyy, your body is not ready for anything crazy and you can work your way up.

This is especially important for me because the last thing I want to do is get injured again.

Tagged as: Getting back into the gym