Bariatric Surgery is a great tool to keep to lose the weight but to be successful with this weight loss journey you need to be consistent with your exercise. And you may even have started a few good habits already. Yet, life can take weird turns which can effect your workouts, in some cases you have to stop for awhile. If this has happened to you but you’re finding your way back here are a few tips that can help you get back into the swing of things quickly and safely.
Tip 1:
Start Slow
One of the biggest mistakes a lot of people make when getting back into working out after a long time away is thinking that they can just start where that stopped. Don’t do that! Depending on how long it’s been since you last worked out, You’ve probably lost some of your muscle mass. So starting too heavy too quickly can lead to injury or incomplete sets. Why are incomplete sets an issue? Well it can be demotivating if you can’t do what you used to be able to do. Which can lead to giving up. Don’t let that happen. The good news is that if you start slow and keep consistent you will be back to where you stopped sooner than you think.
Tip 2:
Warm up and Cooldown
This isn’t just for when you are getting back to the gym, it’s good advice always. BUT if you are inching to get back to working out don’t forget that a good warm up and cool down is important. So when you plan your time at the gym add 5 minutes and the beginning and end of the workout to warm up and cool down. As an extra point to this, make your warm-ups more dynamic like leg swings, squats or a few minutes on the treadmill. Make the cool down more static stretching.
Tip 3:
Build A Solid Plan
When you’ve decided it’s time to get back into working out, Before jumping back to the gym, take 30 minutes to write down what it is you are wanting to do when you are there. This way when you are at the gym there is less time standing around trying to decide what it is that you want and need to do. It also gives you flexibility if the equipment you need is being used. You can just move on to the next exercise in your plan and come back when that piece of equipment is available. Lastly, given the need to keep everything clean, knowing what equipment you will need will make it easier for you to sanitize it before and after.
Check out my eBook on building a workout plan if you need more information.
Tip 4:
Stay consistent
If you are like most people you are going to have a great burst of energy and determination getting back into working out This is great and if you follow the tips I mentioned above you will get a good start. Yet your success comes from your consistency and that can be people’s aches heel. If this is something that worries you or actually keeps you from re-starting exercise, hire a professional to help you navigate this fear so that you can get to the goals you want to achieve.
Geof has been working with bariatric surgery clients for over a decade. His goal with Coaching For Bariatric Success is to give you the tools to make your weight loss successful for the long term.