How would you get back to it???

[naughtoj]

I have been in really good shape for most of my life. Very muscular and in good cardio fitness. I went through the funkiest slump of my life the last 8 months or so and almost ceased weight training, but kept in a few days of cardio a week. Sometimes, only 2 though, and they were easy workouts.



Anyway, school is ending next week, and I really am intent on taking a break for me so that I can put the focus back where it needs to be...on staying healthy and getting back the muscle I have lost.


How would you slowly get back to the weights, assuming I don't want to do any other video but Cathe? I would like to start back with a 30 min cardio per day/30 min P90X type lifting, but maybe keep the weights lighter? I understand that the weights will have to be lighter...especially since I have lost alot of strength I am sure. How much lighter would you go and for how long before you would think your body was used to it again? I ask because I have a tendency to go all out and then risk injury.


Do I have to start out like a total beginner or can I just drop my weight? Anybody done this?

I want to do P90X (only 1/2 tape per day), S&H, or Hardcore to gain back strength.


What would you do?


Thanks everyone!

 

[solara]

Hi Janice~
I was in a similar situation a little more than a year ago (coming out of slump after being very consistent with weight training and cardio for more than 18 years!) I did use lighter weights and focused on getting back to a consistent routine. Scheduled those workouts in just like an appointment. It was tough but I stuck with it. After you're working out consistently, you'll have to increase the weights, etc. Good luck!
~Kim

 

[jordan]

Janice,

Muscle does have memory. Once you start, just listen to your body. The important thing is to get back in the habbit. So be consistent even if you have to shorten your workout time.

Good luck,
jordan

 

[momto2bratz]

Hi Janice,

I have been in this situation twice. Both times after my pregnancies. I have to be on bed rest while I am pregnant, so I don't work out at all for almost a year. I always started back with only 30 min. 3 days a week and work my way back up. My workouts included light weights & a lot of walking until I was able to get back in the swing of things. If I felt like I had a little more energy then I would work a little harder(go heavier,step,kickbox etc.) Usually I am back to the swing of things within 3 months. I know it seems like baby steps, but you really don't want to injure yourself. Good luck and listen to your body!!

Aila

edited for spelling

 

[nancy324]

I'm going through this now, on and off since my father got sick then died in October, slacking off then starting up again. I started with the Pyramid workouts, up only with light weight. I will progress to heavier weights as needed, while being sure to keep excellent form. My vim and vigor comes and goes and I try to be gentle with myself, but sometimes I have to keep starting from the beginning over and over. I tell myself that no matter how bad I seem to myself, I'm probably more fit than 95% of women my age, even with my on again off again thing going on.

Sorry to ramble. Lots of luck Janice!

-Nancy

 

[DebbieH]

Hi Janice!

Great to hear you are going to have some "you" time! I would just lower your weight. Did you keep track of weights you used previously? Another idea: when I was coming back from my injury, when I would do workouts like the Pyramids or S&H, I used the same weight for all the reps in one muscle group. In other words, if I normally would use 10-12-15-12-10 for biceps, instead, I used 10#'s for ALL the reps. (The lowest weight) just to get accustomed to it all again and it was still a great workout. The amount of reps definitely got the muscles good! Sometimes, if I am just having a low-energy day or not feeling up to par, it is amazing how good a lunge WITHOUT weights feels. You can really concentrate on great form and using that muscle. (But, like Cathe says, "We should ALWAYS use good form!") Just experiment and see how you feel. No way is right or wrong, just whatever works to get you back into it. Try to get into it this next week because it looks like we might have Hardcore in our mitts the next week or two! Good Luck and keep us posted.

Your-Friend-In-Fitness, DebbieH (AKA "Den Mother Debbie")http://www.handykult.de/plaudersmilies.de/wavey.gif[/img] If You Get The Choice To Sit It Out Or Dance...I Hope You DANCE!!!

 

[naughtoj]

RE: Hi Janice!

Thanks everyone for the advice. I think I will start at cutting 30% off the weights I was using before. I don't quite know what vids yet, we'll see.

Thanks again!