With gyms and leisure centres now back open in England, you can resume your pre-lockdown routine if you want to. However, it may feel a little daunting after being out of action for so long.
Follow these tips to revitalise your routine and start this season with a spring in your step.
If you have managed to stay healthy and exercise regularly throughout the pandemic, hats off to you! However, if like many of us, you have succumbed to watching endless Netflix series and ordering takeaways on repeat, it's time to get back into your normal routine.
Now that gyms and sports facilities are open, make sure to stick to your routine and build up that confidence and motivation you once had. Planning or setting goals is a great way to begin as it gives you targets to hit. Write these down at the start of the week and tick them off as you go.
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Wouldn't it be great to get back to the gym feeling fresh with some new outfits to kickstart that summer body motivation? Start to swap darker colours for brighter ones and choose a material with lighter fabric to support you through the temperature change as we approach summer. Feeling confident and happy in the clothes you are wearing will automatically impact your attitude during your session, so treat yourself!
It is super important to prepare your body for the exercises you will be returning to after a long time off.
Make sure to stretch! Stretching prevents injuries and helps with your flexibility and range of motion. The areas critical for mobility are in your lower extremities: your calves, your hamstrings, your hip flexors in the pelvis, and quadriceps in the front of the thigh - so stretching these are a good starting point before any exercise.
Gyms and other sporting facilities are very busy now they've reopened. To avoid the rush, make sure to book in advance or select a less busy time to visit during this post-lockdown excitement period.
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Taking care of your body is super important when returning to working out. Make sure not to overwork yourself when you first start training otherwise you could become injured or extremely tired.
Our feet can take a battering when we exercise, and can become bruised and sore, with hardened skin or damaged nails. If your feet start to feel the wear and tear of regular exercise, you might need to give them some TLC. Why not try Scandi foot health secret CCS? CCS Heel Balm helps eliminate dry and cracked heels - apply twice a day, including overnight, for best results. CCS Foot Care Cream contains 10 per cent urea which effectively softens, moisturises, improves the skin's protective barrier, and helps revitalise dry skin.
Muscle recovery foods can help if your muscles are feeling tight or achy too. These include chicken, tuna, Greek yoghurt, eggs, edamame, almonds, peanut butter, and chickpeas. When returning to exercising regularly, remember that food is fuel; you will be able to eat more food as you are burning off more than you were whilst in lockdown.
(Cover Media/Reuters)