How to Start Working Out Again After an Injury
Nurse Susan provides an overview of getting back in physical shape following an injury.
Whether you are out of commission for a couple of weeks or months, it is frustrating to be sidelined because of an injury. If you have finally gotten the okay from your doctor to start working out again, it is tempting to jump straight back into your old routine. Doing that will typically do more harm than good, though. Instead, be sure to keep these tips in mind to make your transition back into the gym as safe and effective as possible.
Start Slow
If you bite off more than you can chew, you will most likely end up overwhelmed both physically and mentally. Your body will not appreciate going from zero to one hundred in one training session, and you might feel discouraged or defeated when you cannot handle the same training load you once could.
Start slow, go for a short walk or jog, or do some very light weight lifting. Remember, it took you a long time to get to where you were before your injury. You should not expect to get back to that level after a lengthy recovery period.
Focus on Quality Over Quantity
Whatever you do when you first get back to the gym, prioritize quality over quantity. It is better to lift lighter weights and focus on your form than to hurt yourself, trying to immediately go back to the same weight you were lifting before.
Focus on form, control, and breathing. Be conscious of your movements and make every rep count. This will help you get re-acclimated after taking time off, and you will improve your technique, which will decrease your chances of getting injured again in the future.
Stick to Low-Impact Moves
Low-impact exercises like walking and swimming are great for transitioning back into the gym. They're easy on the joints but will still let you get your heart rate up and get your blood flowing.
Instead of going straight to the weights, you might also want to consider trying some low impact workouts with resistance bands. Resistance bands are, of course, much lighter than weights, but they will still challenge your muscles by providing a constant amount of tension.
You can also use bands to work on your form and warm-up properly before doing more challenging exercises.
Prioritize Mobility
If you have been sitting on the couch or lying in bed for a few weeks while your injury heals, you will probably need to spend some time working on your mobility and range of motion.
For your first few workouts, prioritize exercises that help you move your limbs through a full range of motion. This will increase blood flow and help your body adjust to proper movement patterns.
In addition to doing mobility work on your own, you can also try some yoga or flexibility classes to help loosen things up and get comfortable moving again.
Warm-Up and Cool-Down Properly
A thorough warm up and cool down are essential for preventing injuries and reducing muscle soreness.
Your warm-up should include some light cardio (like walking on the treadmill) followed by some dynamic stretches (stretches that involve continuous motion).
When you cool down, do some more light cardio to bring your heart rate back down, then finish with some static stretches (stretches that you hold for an extended period) and foam rolling.
Schedule Regular Rest Days
Recovery is essential for letting your muscles repair themselves. It will also help you avoid overdoing it and re-injuring yourself. If you were working out six days a week before your injury, you probably should not just right back into that routine after taking time off.
If you have been sedentary while you recover, start by working out just two or three days a week, and use the other days for active rest like walking or doing mobility work.
Make sure you are prioritizing sleep, too. It is OK to head to bed a little earlier on gym days; your body needs it. That is when most of your muscle recovery takes place.
Listen to Your Body
"No pain, no gain" should not be your motto after returning from an injury. Pain means you have done too much, too soon.
A little discomfort is OK. But, there is a big difference between discomfort from a muscle being worked and pain from overdoing it. If something is hurting you, especially in the injured area, you need to take a step back and adjust so that the pain stops.
Do not Neglect Nutrition and Hydration
Make sure you are drinking plenty of water. You will probably need to increase your intake once you get back to your workouts. Do not forget that what you are putting in your body is essential for healing and performing your best in the gym.
Make sure you are also eating a healthy diet rich in nutrients to fight inflammation and promote recovery. The following are some good things to include regularly in your meals:
- Leafy vegetables like spinach and kale
- Carrots and sweet potatoes for vitamin A
- Oranges, bell peppers, broccoli, and strawberries for vitamin C
- Lean meats like chicken, fish, sirloin, and turkey for protein
- Milk, eggs, and yoghurt for protein, vitamin D, and calcium
- Salmon, trout, and tuna for protein and omega-3 fatty acids
Work with a Professional
If you have had to take a significant amount of time off from the gym, it can be helpful to work with a personal trainer or physical therapist to make sure you do not overdo it when you get back to the gym.
A professional will give you a specific program to follow to help you return to your former fitness level. They will also monitor your form and progress and adjust if you need to slow down or step things up.
It is not easy returning to the gym after an injury. However, if you keep these tips in mind, you will be back to your old way of training before you know it.
Page Reference
If you quote information from this page in your work, then the reference for this page is:
- NURSE, S. (2018) How to Start Working Out Again After an Injury [WWW] Available from: https://www.brianmac.co.uk/articles/article300.htm [Accessed
About the Author
Nurse Susan has always been passionate about helping people heal. After she retired from a lifelong career as a nurse, that passion did not disappear. She loves to use her expertise to write about the best ways to keep you and your family healthy, active, and happy.