As a person who really enjoys training and working out, it is difficult when my schedule, life circumstances, illness and even injury prevent me from sticking to a regular routine or plan. It’s easy when we can’t make it to the gym or have lots on the go to forgo physical activity all together. This doesn’t have to be the case. Physical activity doesn’t have to be all or nothing. This is something I have been reminding myself lately. Even though my trips to the gym have been less frequent or spending an hour and a half working out may not be feasible most days I try to “practice what I preach” and spend some time moving. For me this may mean doing the stairs a few times in Palermo Professional Centre, doing short sprints while walking the dog, and even swinging the kettlebell a few times in the clinic. It’s also important to remember when I do make it in to the gym to go light and take it easy on myself – I will not and should not be lifting close to maxes if I haven’t been training regularly as my body and tissues are not used to producing and absorbing forces in the same way. I’ll need to work my way up again safely, with good form. This doesn’t mean it’s pointless to go into the gym, it just means to be careful.

If you are not working out consistently and gradually increasing the challenge of your workouts / weights / distance / … that’s ok but don’t be surprised if things (endurance, strength, flexibility, weight) don’t progress or change in a positive direction also. If you are just starting to workout it is important to have someone make sure your exercises are safe for you and that your form is proper.