Going back to the gym after a looong break 😫

Ab1jones

Anyone done this? I used to be mega fit, a real gym bunny, then covid hit and I got so scared of catching it in the early days that I completely gave up and in the time that followed have become really inactive. I haven’t really put on any weight, well a few I bs but since starting cal tracking again I’m almost on top of that but as anyone who works out will know it’s not about the weight, I looked better when I was working out but was probably heavier than I am now. My worry is I feel like I look so much older than I did before and I’ve gone from being very toned and fit to looking my age (48) when I looked so much younger before and I’m currently feeling pretty insecure. I know that if I tone up I will feel so much better but it’s that first step back to the gym I’m having trouble overcoming. I worry people there will remember me from before and say god she’s gone downhill ☹️

nossmf

I've had to stop the gym a few times over the years. Twin shoulder injuries cost me six months; an elbow injury knocked me out of the weight room for four months (though I kept doing cardio); paying for my kids' braces cost me a year of gym membership fees.

Know what I heard from people who knew me upon my return? "Hey, great to see you again! Welcome back!" Not a word of criticism for being absent, for my appearance, or my performance upon return. (Well, I criticized myself plenty, lol.) They just acknowledged my presence and went back to their workouts, except a couple friends who asked after my family.

Your biggest concern after a prolonged absence at our age (I'll be 46 in a couple weeks) is the effect on our joints. Take plenty of time to stretch and warm up, ease into routines by not hitting the gas full-throttle right at the start, consider hot tubs and massages as essential parts of the recovery process rather than treats.

Welcome back!

Ab1jones

Thank you 😊 I’m sure I’m worrying for nothing, just have to get in there and get that first one done!