After a break, could one start slower

Lora1

Member
Hi Cathi,
I've been working out at a gym for a year now but we will be moving in the spring and I had to drop my membership. So I've got your tapes out again. Missed them.

I've been on a total exercise break for about 3 weeks. Got in an accident and did something to my back. Prior to that I had been nursing a groin injury that had been bothering me for about 3 months. That's better.

I'm 49 and have a body that has seen better days. I'M WONDERING WHAT THE THEORY IS ON STARTING OUT SLOWLY? I like to see fast result because I get bored easily and so tend to jump into things like a young thing. I don't consider myself a seasoned athlete so when I take a step class and can match the fitness of a 20 year old, eventually I find myself on the sidelines nursing an injury. But I've always been a type "A" person when it comes to sports. Could any of you give me any information or direct me to a source that could verify this idea, I think I heard, that starting out slow and gradually increasing produces just as good results. I also wonder if there is some sort of stress test that one could gage when they should push themself to the next level. Would it be your good old heart rate? I know they taught something like that at the gym. I just saw so many gals that worked out faithfully at a slow pace and didn't see any change in their figures. It was the ones that gave it their all that seemed to change. Learning everyday from you. Thanks, Lora
 
Hi Lora! Sorry to hear of your acident. The main thing to do right now is to get your back in total working condition so that you do not injure it further.

After that, you can ease back into exercise gradually by cutting back on frequency and intensity about 50% for the first week. For the second week you can go at it at about 65% of your regular intensity. The third week at 75 to 80% and then after that you can pretty much do what you used to do. Be sure to do longer than normal warm ups and post stretches for the first few weeks too. Good luck and welcome back.
 
Thanks Cathi

Your answer was just what I needed. I've pulled out your Step Heat video and can almost do the entire first routine. I know I could probably get through the entire tape if I really pushed myself (like I normally would) but I think I will stick with your advise. You don't mind a beginner using your tapes? :) I don't know if I'll ever be able to do your toughest workouts but it's a start. Thanks again for answering a question that may seem obvious to some. Lora

P.S. Did I hear right that you had another child? Seemed like I had heard you were PG a year or so. Hope and Pray everything went well.
 
RE: Thanks Cathi

Hi Lora! I am 6 months pregnant with baby number two. He will be another boy (if technology is correct ;-))!
 
Congratulations!!

Great news Cathi,
I had 2 boys (they were great) before my daughter arrived when I was 40. You'll be practiced. I will be praying for you all. Lora
 

Our Newsletter

Get awesome content delivered straight to your inbox.

Top