The Key to Returning to Sports as an Adult: Gradual Progression

If you're an adult looking to rekindle your love for sports after a hiatus, you might be tempted to jump right back into the game. Or maybe, at this stage,  you really only play sports once or twice a year. (Gotta be available for that turkey bowl right?) Let’s talk about a crucial step you should never skip – gradual progression. Here's why it's so important:

1. Avoiding Injury: As adults, our bodies are not as resilient as they once were. Rushing back into intense physical activity without proper preparation can lead to injuries. Gradual progression allows your muscles, tendons, and ligaments to adapt, reducing the risk of strain or sprains.

2. Building Endurance and Stamina: Starting slow and gradually increasing the intensity of your workouts can significantly boost your endurance and stamina. This approach is far more effective than attempting to push through pain and exhaustion on day one.

3. Developing Muscle Memory: Your muscles have a memory of their own. By easing into exercise, you give your muscles time to remember and regain their strength and flexibility. This muscle memory is key to improving your athletic performance.

4. Mental Readjustment: Getting back into sports is not just a physical journey; it's also a mental one. Gradual progression allows you to reacquaint your mind with the sport, rebuild your confidence, and set realistic goals.

5. Long-term Success: Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither is a successful return to sports. Gradual progression paves the way for long-term success. It ensures that you're not just ready for one game but that you are ready to get out and play with your kids and your friends and be able to live a happy and active life.

6. Injury Prevention: Gradual progression helps prevent not only immediate injuries but also long-term wear and tear on your body. It's an investment in your future athletic endeavors. Honestly, it’s an investment in your overall health now and in the future, even outside of playing sports.

Gradual progression before getting back to sports as an adult cannot be overstated. It's the foundation upon which you can rebuild your physical and mental strength, ensure your safety, and secure your future doing the things you love. So, take your time, follow a structured training plan, and enjoy the journey back to sports.

Email me and I will send you a simple return to activity plan with exercises you can do 5 days a week… and it will only take 20-30 minutes a day! Stop making excuses! Get active now so you don’t have to worry about injuries.