We’ve all been there. We’ve jumped off the bandwagon and we’ve been watching it go by time and time again, but haven’t yet been able to get back on. It’s tough, we know that. And for those of you who are considering or have already gotten CoolSculpting, taking the effort to maintain a healthy lifestyle (as well as your new results!) is extremely important. This article from Allure gives us five ways to help you get back into shape.
My first piece of advice is to think back to a time when you did work out. Muscle does have memory; if you exercised regularly at some point, then you don’t have to imagine what it’s like to be an athlete. You already know.
- Gear up. Find something that gets you excited. A new outfit does it for a lot of people, and there are so many styles that emphasize the body parts you like—and minimize any you don’t. Or consider cool sneakers or a Fitbit.
- Make a window. I’ve seen every study about ideal times to work out: morning, midday, evening. Mine is 11 a.m., but if I waited for that time to be free in my schedule, it would never happen. The best time to work out is when you have 20 to 30 minutes in your day.
- Expect the worst. The first time out will be brutal—you’ll be so winded, you’ll feel like you’re gargling your heart. It’s an awful feeling, but try to see it as confirmation that you need to make a change. And know that if you work out three or four times a week, you should see a big difference in just two weeks.
- Set the pace. Your initial workouts should be about raising your heart rate (aim for 85 percent of the maximum) and light resistance training. The first few weeks aren’t the time for explosive moves—no throwing heavy weights or sprinting. I like a stationary bike because you can set your own intensity and it’s low impact; a treadmill on an incline is also great. It helps you build endurance and burns calories without a high risk of injury.
- Join in. Classes are great because they force you to schedule a workout rather than waiting for the mood to strike. Look for a beginner session, ideally at an off-peak time—a crowded room can be intimidating.
- Know your type. A trainer can help you set goals and push yourself safely, but trainers are like doctors—they have specialties. Ask for someone who likes to work with people just starting out.