Back in the Exercise Saddle

After more than a month of not doing my usual exercise routine, last week was my first full week back exercising. You see, I had taken a little "me time" and built a two-tier forty-foot retaining wall. So, after that wonderful vacation, I strapped-on my Total Gym and began anew. Yes, it was almost like starting all over again. Even though I was very active and using my muscles while building the wall, I was not using the same muscles in the way I normally do while exercising (Do you think I can make this sentence any longer or more confusing?).

After the first day back, I was extremely sore, but it felt good (if that makes any sense). The next day, I worked a totally different set of muscles: legs, stomach, and back. Without giving you a boring play-by-play, I will skip forward and let you know that by today, I was basically back to where I left off. Yes, it will take another day or two to get all the way back, but I am getting closer. Although I can't say that I missed not exercising, I do have to say that even though I ache all over, I feel great.

Now, if you need to skip your normal exercise routine for an extended period of time, when you start back up, you might want start a little bit slower than you normally would. Since your body is no longer used to your routine, it will take a little time for it to catch-up. So, if you find yourself not being able to run as far or lift as much weight as you used to, don't be discouraged, because you will soon be running and lifting at your old levels.