5 tips to help you get back into an exercise routine

Matt Pollack, MD

Orthopedic Sports Medicine

There’s no question that exercise is important to your health, but sticking with a routine can be challenging. Whether you’ve fallen off the exercise bandwagon or you’re just getting started, Matt Pollack, MD, said there are ways to set yourself up for success.

He shared these five tips to help you get into your exercise groove:

1. Talk to your doctor. Discuss your physical health with your primary care provider before getting back into any strenuous physical activity if you suffer from any chronic health conditions or if it has been a while since you have seen a doctor. Screening for underlying cardiovascular conditions can be helpful for determining a good starting point for your exercise routine and can also prevent potential problems before they arise. 
2. Find something you enjoy doing. If you hate running, don’t run. If you enjoy working out with others, find a way to add group exercise classes to your new routine or look into playing a team sport.
3. Stay motivated. The motivation for working out seems to be half the battle. Figure out ways to motivate yourself as you get your routine going again. Whether it’s finding a friend to keep you accountable, joining an online community or hiring a personal trainer.
4. Don’t be hard on yourself. Getting back in shape takes commitment and time. It is okay if your new workout plan doesn’t go perfectly or you fall off the bandwagon. Don’t get discouraged or be too hard on yourself during this process.
5. Set realistic goals. Start slow and set realistic goals for yourself. It is important to start at an appropriate level given your current physical shape. That may mean you aren’t lifting big weights when you start. Or it may mean signing up for a 5K months from now so you have time to properly train.

Taking care of yourself by exercising regularly is one of the keys to decreasing risk factors for health conditions and increasing better health outcomes. But make sure you do it safely.

“Don’t ignore any symptoms you may feel when getting back into physical activity,” Dr. Pollack said. “If it is something outside the normal soreness that is expected to occur with a new workout routine, talk to your doctor.”