After recovering from a major injury, there are a number of steps that should always be taken when returning to the gym. While it can be tempting to resume your workout routine from where you may have left out, it is important to follow a strict set of rules. Trainers in even the most exclusive post-injury fitness gym will recommend that you keep your injury in mind whenever you decide to incorporate strenuous cardio or heaving lifting back into your life.
Rule #1: Start Your Routine Off Slowly
Regardless of whether you attend a gym casually or have a set routine, returning to the gym after a long hiatus can lead to a lot of mistakes. More severe injuries can take you out of commission for months at a stretch and cause you to lose significant muscle mass in that downtime. Even the most experienced fitness fanatic may come back to their exclusive post-injury fitness gym after a long break only to exacerbate their injuries further due to unnecessary strain. If in doubt, start your routine slowly with lighter weights and brief cardiovascular exercise.
Rule #2: Ask a Personal Trainer for Help
Even if you have years of fitness experience under your belt, it's always a smart idea to ask a trainer for help when resuming regular exercise. Each post-injury workout routine should be custom-tailored for handling your recovery period. By consulting a trainer, you will have a specialized regimen which you can then incorporate into your weekly routine. Once you have recovered from your injury you will be able to drop this regimen from your exercise plan.
Rule #3: Always Use Equipment and/or a Spotter
Being overconfident in your workout routine can be especially dangerous. If you begin to feel that you are ready to take on the heavier weights in your exclusive post-injury fitness gym, use some caution. If you intend on using the free weights, have a friend or fellow gym attendee spot you. Should you be unable to find anyone to lend you a hand, decide to stick to the machines for the time being.
