How To Get Back In Shape After Suffering An Injury
When injuries strike, you may find yourself unable to workout like usual. Whether you’ve been injured on the job or injured during a workout, being unable to keep up with your exercise program is frustrating.
Even though you may be excited to get back to the gym, it’s important to wait until you have clearance from your doctor. Otherwise, you run the risk of worsening your injuries. The only way that you can make a full recovery is by waiting it out, even if it means you may not be able to work out during the process.
Once your doctor gives you the green light that it’s ok to start exercising again, here are some of the best tips to get you started again.
Pay Attention To Your Body
If you are still experiencing any sort of pain, you should hold off on working out until the pain passes.
Your body needs to take time to heal. Rushing it into movement before it’s ready is a bad idea, especially if you have a spine or head injury since too much pressure can hinder your healing process.
Start Slowly
You may want to start where you left off, but it’s important to ease into things. Since you’ve taken some time off your body has likely lost some strength and endurance.
Attempting to hit the gym with the same intensity as before could result in serious injury. Take it slow and increase your intensity gradually.
Consider Low Impact Exercises
If you’re a runner or weightlifter, you should hold off for a while. Consider doing modified versions of your previous exercises with less impact.
Instead of running, go for a brisk walk. Instead of lifting weights, try strength exercises using your own body weight. Gentle exercise is critical when it comes to bouncing back.
Focus on Your Core
During your first few workouts, you should focus on strengthening your core. Your core is the foundation for maintaining proper posture and avoiding injury.
Yoga is a great way to get back to working out while strengthening your core muscles and spine.
Drink Plenty of Water
Recovery isn’t possible without plenty of water during a workout. Since you’ve been out of the gym for a while, you may find yourself getting fatigued much faster.
Always carry a bottle of water with you to stay hydrated.
Go For a Check Up
After you’ve started a regular workout routine again, you shouldn’t assume that everything is fine. Be sure to continue attending any follow-up therapy appointments. If you have undergone spinal surgery, for instance, due to an accident or sports injury under the supervision of a professional similar to Dr Timothy Steel, go for regular checkups and restorative therapy sessions.
You may think you know best; however, your doctor is the one you should trust. After a few weeks of working out has passed, be sure to arrange a check-up with your doctor to see how your recovery is progressing.
