How to Get Back into Shape After an Injury

Did you know that young people, especially teens are twice as likely to experience a re-injury?

There is a lot of pressure on those who play sports to get back into the game before their bodies are truly ready. Many gym goers of all ages also put undue pressure on themselves to perform after recovering from an injury or illness.

It’s important to listen to your body and proceed with caution in order to protect yourself from re-injury. If you are recovering from an injury or illness, keep reading for some tips on how to get back into shape.

Be Patient

If you’ve been injured, you’ve probably already been unable to work out for some time.

It can be tempting to jump right back in where you left off, but our bodies don’t work that way. It’s easy to get frustrated when you can’t perform at the level that you could before your injury.

You have to realize that your body probably lost some muscle and endurance capacity while you were out with your injury. That doesn’t mean you can’t get back to where you were, it just means that it will take some time.

If you rush back into things and overdo it, you risk re-injury as well as additional injury. Start slowly and take your time.

Take a Walk

One of the best ways to get back into shape after an injury is to begin by walking. A gentle walk is a great form of exercise and will help keep you stay active with little risk of injury.

Swimming is another great form of exercise that is gentle on your body.

Start with walking and see how your body feels. You can then increase the duration and intensity of your walks.

Listen to your body and don’t push yourself too hard. The goal is to get back to the shape you were in before your injury and hurting yourself will only delay that process.

Pain: No Gain

“No pain, no gain” does not apply when you are recovering from an injury.

When you feel pain, your body is telling you that you are doing too much. If you experience pain while exercising, stop immediately.

When you are getting back in shape after an injury, allowing your body to rest and recover is just as important as performing exercises. Just like when you were originally getting into shape, your body needs to rest to build muscle.

Consult a Pro

When you are getting back into shape after you’ve been injured, proper form and stance are more important than ever.

Consulting a professional such as a physical therapist or a personal trainer is the best way to ensure your safety when beginning to exercise again. A professional will evaluate your injury and help you determine when you are ready to get back to the exercising at full capacity.

They will also provide you with tips and exercise suggestions to help you along the way.