Getting back into the swing of things after the holidays

We all take a break from our fitness routines during the holiday season. We want to spend time with our families, enjoy those Christmas goodies – especially Cheesecake – and toast a glass of wine when the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve.

The challenging part can be swinging back into your routine. Sore muscles are inevitable. I must admit, my legs and shoulders were certainly feeling it after consecutive weeks of only teaching one class, with Christmas Eve and New Year’s Eve wiping out my club’s Monday group fitness schedule for the last couple weeks.

If you’ve taken some time off to enjoy company over the joyous holiday season, you’re going to feel it after that first workout or two, even if you’re a seasoned veteran. That’s OK. No matter your fitness level, there are going to be some aches and pains.

Chances are, if you’re getting back into your routine right off the bat, you’re going to be further ahead of the curve than those who took additional time off. One thing I notice around the gym is people like routines. They have certain days where they do certain things. For example, my weekly schedule is usually BodyPump-CXWorx on Monday,  cardio and weights on Tuesday, PUMP on Wednesday, RPM on Thursday, weights or off Friday and cardio and weights Saturday. That, of course, does not include running! Once you get back into that routine and get into a rhythm in your workouts, you’ll be back into the swing of things sooner than you think.

Once you jump back into that first BodyPump class since said layoff, you’re going to want to lay off slightly on the weight. For example, if you set a personal best in the squat track two days before Christmas, then took a couple of weeks off, don’t put that same weight back on the bar. Go slightly under that amount, and work your way back up. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you’re back to that personal best, and perhaps reaching greater heights.

This is also the perfect time of year to get started on those New Year’s Resolutions. Again, just like getting back into that routine, start small and work your way up towards that goal. The goal is not going to be reached overnight. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t reach it by the end of March.

Ryan McLaughlin

About Ryan McLaughlin

BDN sports reporter Ryan McLaughlin grew up in Brewer and is a lifelong fan of the New England Patriots, Boston Red Sox, Boston Celtics and Boston Bruins. In "The Boston Blitz" he'll be sharing his perspective with BDN readers about what's happening on the Boston professional sports scene.