Back to sport: our advice

The start of the new school year is often accompanied by new resolutions. In your case, you want to take up sport again. It's not always easy to stick to this good resolution after a period of inactivity. With a tight schedule and a body that has benefited from the vacations, getting back into the swing of things requires a great deal of preparation. Here's our advice on how to succeed in this challenge you've set yourself.

Choose a sport that suits you

It's not enough to want to take up sport. The first step is to identify the discipline that suits you best. The first thing to do is to identify what you're looking for: building stamina, building muscle, losing weight, relaxing...? From there, it will be easier for you to make your choice. It's also the basis for finding a sport you really enjoy.

Assess your capabilities

A medical check-up is recommended to avoid contraindications. The doctor will help you narrow down the options according to your physical capabilities. He or she will also be able to prescribe a discipline that limits the risk of injury and medical accidents.

Sport, yes, but gently

Remember that you need to start gradually, as your body needs time to adapt. Don't let your previous performance push you to outdo yourself on your very first session. By the same token, it's not advisable to try and keep up with experienced, hard-working people. Lack of training is harmful. Inadequate effort can lead to muscle pain and even injury.

If you run out of breath at the start of a session, it probably means that your efforts are too intense. Give yourself breaks and adjust your pace. The secret is to listen to your body.

Be regular

As you know, sport is excellent for your health. However, you need to be assiduous to really benefit from your sessions.

Look at your schedule and identify the time slots when you are available. It's better to plan 2 workouts of 60 minutes each than to do 3 hours of sport once a week. Plan intervals between your sessions to give your body time to rest.

Choose specific days and times to exercise. It will be easier to stick to this schedule and find a good rhythm. It won't be easy at first. But after a few weeks, you'll get used to it and really enjoy working out.

Stay motivated

You're a human being, not a robot. This means that you can lose energy and feel demotivated over time. This drop in morale can be explained by the stresses of everyday life, the inclement weather, the new difficulties that your sporting progress entails, and so on.

If you experience this slump, think back to your initial motivation and the goals you want to achieve. If necessary, change your sports program to avoid the consequences of routine. Choose new tennis partners, experiment with the pleasures of basketball with a different team. Thinking outside the box can give you a boost.

Adopt a healthy lifestyle

You need to adapt your lifestyle before you even put on your sports kit. If you haven't already done so, it's still not too late to adopt new habits.

Your sessions will exhaust your muscles. They will need rest to continue to perform their functions. Get enough sleep by going to bed and waking up at the same time. Don't resist signs of fatigue such as yawning and heavy eyelids. A good night's sleep will put you in good shape for the next day and for your next sessions.

Diet is just as important. Choose healthy, varied and balanced food. Home-cooked food is better than quick, greasy meals on the run. What's more, you need to take your time to enjoy each meal. At the same time, hydrate regularly. Mineral water and freshly squeezed fruit juices are your best allies. Drink them both during and outside your workouts, to compensate for water loss.

Ask a professional for help

We don't always think about it, but the support of a coach is an excellent solution for getting back into sport. His or her experience enables him or her to adapt your sessions to your abilities, while respecting your motivations. You'll get off to a gentle start, then gradually build up the intensity of your sessions. Your coach will be able to adjust the exercises as you progress.

In the same vein, it's important to equip yourself properly. Clothes, accessories... each item must be chosen according to your profile. Here too, don't hesitate to seek professional advice to make sure you're making the right choices.

Happy recovery!