Getting Back into Shape | The Benefits of Daily Exercise

It has been over six months since I last exercised, and the impact is showing both physically and mentally. In this article, I will outline my fitness program for the coming months.

Boosting Your Mood Through Exercise

Returning from my trip was difficult for several reasons:

• I went back to my parents’ house, where they prepared wonderful meals to make up for all the time I had missed with them.
• The weather is quite a departure from what I have experienced over the last two years! I must admit, I was much more motivated to work out when it was 70 to 85°F outside, compared to the current gray and rainy conditions!
• I have also had less free time, with work not ending until 6:00 p.m. By the time I get home, it is already dark, making it difficult to find the motivation to go for a run due to certain minor challenges.

The fact is clear: I am a few kilograms heavier than my usual weight, and I am not proud of it! This is due to excessive alcohol consumption from partying all weekend, combined with a lack of exercise because I keep sleeping in!

When I look at myself in the mirror, I tell myself that there is a sense of urgency and that I really need to get back into shape quickly—firstly, because I love it, and secondly, because having a boost of energy and vitality in my daily life is truly motivating.

Staying Fit and Healthy

As you can imagine: it’s about working out, but with a specific focus. My goal is to tone up and regain some of the endurance I’ve lost.

Sports are gradually making a comeback.

Since it is still only January, the schedule will be a bit light.

First stage of sports

Resuming weight training or muscle maintenance sessions. 1 to 2 times per week. The initial sessions are the most challenging as you must rebuild the habit.

I am going to try to go swimming at least once a week on Sundays while waiting for warmer weather. Swimming is a truly comprehensive sport that can be enjoyed year-round, working the entire body as well as improving cardiovascular endurance.

I will try to bike as much as possible; thanks to my many years of cycling, I have large, muscular thighs.

The 2nd stage of sports

A few months from now, once the weather improves, I plan to go running at least once a week on the weekends. For me, jogging is the ideal sport for leaning out and burning fat.

It is also important to pay closer attention to what I eat in the evening, as it is the key meal of the day. One should eat lighter, with a reduced intake of both lipids and carbohydrates.

By exercising regularly and monitoring my diet, everything should be fine.

The pinnacle of my fitness program

During my upcoming trips, I also need to prioritize hiking; as an endurance sport, staying in shape requires consistent training. I am specifically planning a trek in Morocco, as a Moroccan friend has invited us to visit his region during the May long weekends. Since he goes hiking in Morocco every summer, he will be able to serve as our guide for the week we are staying there! I am truly looking forward to this trek in Morocco, and I plan to complete the first two stages of my training program to ensure I am fully prepared!

I will provide updates on the progress every two months!

And what about you, when are you getting back into fitness? What does your weekly routine look like?