Getting Back to the Gym

There is no magic pill yet that someone has discovered that can turn us into the body we want without doing the hard work involved. To get the results you are looking for, like it or not, you'll have to find your way to a gym. We all come up with excuses not to go, such as work and family, and not saying that these are bad excuses, they're great reasons to skip the gym, however, exercise is very important to a happy life. Here are four simple tips to help you get back in shape by going back to the gym.

1. If you've had a serious injury - Such as an ACL tear or a broken leg and haven't been able to go to the gym and work out, set a goal for down the road. You don't have to push yourself to get back right away and give yourself a goal that you can't reach, set a goal that's four or five months down the road and strive for that. Disappointment for not reaching a goal that's too big for you and in too little time can deter you from ever going back.

2. If you're job is too demanding - Look for someone else to go with in your office. When you sit behind the desk all day you can get tired and feel no motivation to get all sweaty at the gym before heading home or during your lunch break. If you can find someone that will go running with you or head to gym for a pick up game or something, you'll get a leg up on that voice inside your head that's saying don't bother.

3. If you've had a new addition to the family - Focus your exercises more. Concentrate mainly on doing exercises that are short but straining. Get to the gym for only a little while but while you're there, get as much work in as you possibly can. Don't take your time between sets, just get going and find the exercises that allow you to do so, any exercise is better than none.

4. If you just returned home from a vacation - Let's face it, you didn't do your normal routine when you were out drinking Pina Colada's and getting that sun tan. When you return home once again, ease your way back into the gym. The lay off from vacationing will help your muscles rebuild and grow, so when you return, take it slow and lower your reps and sets.