How to start exercising Again After Years Off (No Judgment)

Returning to exercise after a long break, or getting started for the first time, can feel intimidating, but it’s absolutely possible. Here are a few suggestions to get you started -

1) Start by just accepting “You are where you are”. No looking back at ‘what once was’ or thinking too far about the road ahead. Don’t think about what you can’t do, think about what you want to do. The first step is just a step and it leads to the next.

2) Begin with activities you enjoy, like walking, hiking, biking, swimming… then set two or three short realistic goals like walking for 15 minutes three times a week. If there are activities you want to learn, or you want to improve … like yoga, weight lifting, functional fitness, pickle ball, balance… then find a beginners class or a coach who will teach you the basics at the right pace.

3) This is a biggy … If possible, recruit a buddy to join this journey with you. There is nothing better than a friend getting you up off the couch when you really don’t want to!

4) And don’t think you have to figure this out all on your own. Lean into the expertise out there that can teach you the basics and proper progression. A good coach focuses on form first. A certified personal trainer can design a personalized, safe and energizing plan that appropriately challenges you and tracks your progress.

5) The goal is to rediscover the fun in movement. But note, it’s normal to experience some soreness or self-doubt at first, so don’t be discouraged. These will fade. To ease the soreness, stretch and foam roll after exercising (though in reality, you’ll still probably be sore)

6) The golden rule when you’re first starting out is focus on consistency over intensity. Don’t over do it with the initial excitement that might come from getting started. Listen to your body’s current abilities, and gradually increase intensity as your confidence and endurance grow. Have patience and a focus on consistency rather than perfection.

Starting to exercise is about small, kind steps rather than big leaps — focus on consistency over intensity, listen to your body, celebrate progress, and expect setbacks, and just take one step after another.