With the world in a state of general disarray right now the last thing it can feel like doing is getting ourselves in shape. This is even more true when you’ve been the victim of an accident that wasn’t your fault and need to get back on your feet.
It can feel like a victory just to get out of bed in the morning sometimes. But once you’ve pushed past that first barrier, you’ll start to find that exercise isn’t a barrier to happiness and mental wellbeing but the key! By improving your physical health you’ll also be less likely to seriously hurt yourself again, as you’ll build your muscles and stamina.
To help you get back on your feet, here are some of the easiest ways you can start exercising without pushing yourself too hard.
Ditch the all-or-nothing attitude
– It doesn’t have to be something you dedicate dozens of hours a week to, it can be something you put aside an hour a day for. Even 30 minutes is better than nothing. If you go into it thinking it’s going to be either a major commitment or nothing at all, you’ll probably end up doing nothing.
Find a time that works for you
– Going for a jog at 5 am every morning isn’t necessarily going to be ideal for everyone. It doesn’t matter when you exercise, as long as it doesn’t get in the way of your life. Because if you let it do that it could lead to resentment. Exercise when it’s convenient and when it works for you.
Find the right exercise regime for you
– The same is true of the kind of exercise that gets you back in the game. Swimming is a great gentle introduction back into the idea of physical exercise, as is yoga. In fact, even just going for long walks is a great way to begin.
Manage your expectations
– You’re not going to start exercising this week and start looking like Chris Hemsworth or Gal Gadot by the end of the year. You need to set realistic goals from the offset and work towards them without getting ahead of yourself.
Be ‘Appy’
– There are so many apps available for both Android and iOS platforms that exist solely to get beginners or those that haven’t exercised for a while back into it. Couch to 5k is perhaps the most popular, but, SWORKit, the Johnson & Johnson Official 7 Minute Trainer and StarFit PT are all great alternatives with their own benefits.
Get professional help
– If all else fails, personal trainers are nowhere near as expensive and scary as they used to be. Shop around on social media and ask at your local gym and you should be put in touch with somebody who perfectly syncs with your personality and requirements.
