At some point in their lives, even the most dedicated exercise junkies need to take a break. Whether it’s to recover from an injury or deal with a personal dilemma, taking a break from exercise can be good for you in the long run.
However, it can be easy to slip up and allow a short break to turn into a longer one, and that can lead you to lose the progress you’ve made. It can also make it harder for you to take up exercise again.
While it’s always tempting to jump back in feet first and take on as much exercise as possible, you should try to take things slowly.
Starting off with low-impact sports is a smart choice as it can minimise the stress on your joints and body, while still providing a great workout. Here are some fun, low-impact sports to help you start your journey back to peak fitness.
Walking Or Hiking
While simple, walking and hiking can offer many health benefits, including heart health improvement, weight loss, and mood elevation. Plus, you can adjust your pace according to your fitness level. As it doesn’t require much equipment, this is also a cost-effective approach for those who are looking for affordable ways to exercise.
Golf
An enjoyable game that involves a lot of walking and light arm work, golf is fun and engaging, especially for those who love spending time in the great outdoors. While it might look easy, golf requires a great deal of skill, so it can take time to learn if you don’t play already. If you’re completely new to golfing, then you might want to consider getting lessons or using a golf training aid like the Golf Grip to help you immerse yourself in the sport and quickly learn the basics.
Cycling
Less intense than running but with the same thrill, cycling is an easy and accessible form of exercise to consider when getting back into your routine. Either outdoor or indoor (stationary bike) cycling can offer a good workout without putting too much pressure on your joints, particularly your knees. It’s an excellent way to improve cardiovascular health, build leg muscles, and it can also be a fun, scenic experience if you’re biking outdoors.
Yoga
An increasingly popular exercise thanks to its simplicity and soothing properties, yoga can be very gentle on the body, and there are styles for every fitness level. It’s great for flexibility and muscle tone and can also help with stress management. Yoga practices can vary widely, but all forms involve performing a series of postures and breathing exercises. There are many styles of yoga, each with its own focus and intensity level, so you can find the one that suits you.
A Brief Summary
When you’re getting back into exercise, listen to your body and take things slow initially. Gradually build up the intensity and duration of your workouts as your fitness improves. Always consider consulting with a healthcare provider or fitness professional before starting a new exercise routine, especially if you have any pre-existing health conditions. You can then ensure that you get back into exercise safely and enjoy the experience.
Fitness, health, blogging and Psychology are my main interests. I’ve worked in many roles from product designer to engineer working with many products from fitness equipment and spa products to this role as a hands-on webmaster. Avid gym-go’er and captain of the good ship Fitness Authority
