To some, getting in shape does not require particular motivation. It’s as much a fact of life as eating and sleeping. To others, however, returning to exercise feels like restarting a car that’s been sitting in the garage all year. You will feel rusty, or downright want to give up. We’ve all been there. Sometimes, an injury or unexpected change to our personal or work life is all it takes to disrupt our exercise routine.

The good news is, our body actually remembers how it feels to be fit.

If you had maintained a level of fitness less than a year ago, chances are you are starting again at 50% of where you were, instead of from scratch.

The key is patience, and to begin with a solid, achievable goal. Bear in mind that staying in shape is a relative concept. It’s about what you want to accomplish in life with your body, and depends on a host of factors like age, lifestyle and natural fitness. While everyone’s idea of fit looks different, ultimately it’s about getting back to a level where you feel healthy and happy. Think of it as a small garden that’s been left on its own for months. It won’t come alive again overnight, but with proper and consistent care it will soon return to full bloom. Your body works the same way.

Focus on doing the right things over pushing for intensity. And don’t forget to reward yourself along the way – consistency is what ultimately gets you the W.

By Jeff Yurek, BScPhm