Starting again after a break feels both challenging and amazing. The body remembers more than we think – it's about patience, movement and enjoying the journey back.
When the price of the break is felt, but the body remembers the way back.
There's something special about the first few workouts after a break. It's a bit like putting on old dance shoes – they still fit, but they don't feel quite the same. The movements are there, but not as fluid. The body wakes up, but it needs some time to get back into rhythm.
I've now trained for two days in a row. It feels good to be back, but I also notice that my body needs time to adjust. The movements are a little heavier than before, my stamina isn't quite there, and I have to take it easier than I usually do. But one thing is for sure – I'm grateful to be back.
Have you ever felt that feeling of starting over after a break? What was the first thing you noticed?
A soft start
This start-up is different. I have to listen to my body extra carefully. After the surgery a few weeks ago and still on antibiotics, I can't just jump right into old routines. I have to take it easy, give my body time to recover, and be patient with myself. And it actually feels totally fine.
Because training isn't just about pushing your limits. It's also about taking care of your body, respecting it, and working with it.
How do you meet your body when you come back after a break? Do you listen to it, or do you try to push it back into old habits?
What happens in the body when we start again?
Research shows that the body has an amazing ability to adapt. Muscle memory allows us to quickly regain strength and technique – much faster than if we were to start from scratch. After a few weeks of regular training, the body begins to restore both muscle strength, endurance and mobility.
But at the same time, it's important to be patient. Muscles can be built up quickly, but tendons and joints need more time. Therefore, gradual progression is key to avoiding overload and injury.
The body remembers, even if it feels like a new start
Even though the first few sessions feel like a reboot, I know that the body remembers. The muscle memory, the technique, the strength – it’s all there, maybe a little hidden, but ready to be brought back to life. I’ve been here before, and I know that it won’t take long for everything to fall into place.
And it gives me a sense of security. I don't have to stress. I just have to show up, move, and trust that the process will take me where I want to go.
Have you ever experienced your body giving you a positive surprise when you start working out again? How did that feel?
Gratitude over frustration
It would have been easy to focus on the fact that things feel heavier now. But why would I? I'm not frustrated – I'm grateful. Grateful that I'm back, that I can move, that I have the opportunity to rebuild.
It's easy to compare yourself to where you were before a break. But the truth is, the only thing that matters is where I am. is right now – and how I choose to move forward.
What do you choose to focus on when you start over? What you've lost, or what you're in the process of regaining?
The principles I follow when starting up again
To make the transition back to training as smooth as possible, I follow a few important principles:
- Start slowly and increase gradually
I reduce the intensity and load in the first few sessions. The body needs time to adapt again.
- Focus on technique before weight
I prioritize good form and technique before increasing weights or intensity.
- Gives the body enough recovery
Sleep, hydration, and proper nutrition play a big role in how quickly I recover.
- Listening to the body
Pain and discomfort are not the same as regular exercise soreness. I know the difference and adapt accordingly.
- Have patience – and enjoy the process!
A positive attitude towards returning to training produces better results.
I remind myself to enjoy the journey!
One session at a time, one movement at a time
I have nothing to prove to anyone. This is my journey, my body, my startup. I'm taking it one session at a time, one movement at a time. I'm enjoying the process, because I know that every repetition brings me closer to where I want to be.
And that's what matters.
"Progress is not about speed, but about continuing – with joy, patience and gratitude." - Amelia Fjellvard
Take this with you further.
So if you are in a startup phase yourself – enjoy the journey. Be patient. Trust your body. It remembers more than you think. And most importantly: Celebrate every little bit of progress, because it is the sum of these moments that will take you back to where you want to be.
Have you recently started back up after a break? How has it been for you? Feel free to share your thoughts and experiences!
