There are lots of reasons you can fall “out of shape.” From injuries to waning motivation , it’s natural for your fitness to ebb and flow. The good news is, whether you were always an athlete or could never seem to stick to a workout routine, there are some tried and true methods to help you get fit again.
What does “being fit” really mean? Physiologically speaking, being physically fit entails a holistic look at several factors: cardiorespiratory fitness, muscular strength, mobility, (within that, flexibility and range of motion), and neuromuscular control (i.e. balance and agility), explains Heather Milton , a board-certified clinical exercise physiologist at NYU Langone’s Sports Performance Center.
Anecdotally, being physically fit will look and feel different for everyone, but can often mean you have good energy, feel strong, are able to perform daily functions without pain, have mental clarity, and generally just feel healthy and happy. This subjectivity can mean getting back in shape will include different goals for different people. “Does being ‘fit’ mean that you’re able to walk all day for your job and still have energy to play with your kids, or does it mean that you’re able to crush a new mountain biking trail without injury?” says Jacqueline Crockford , an ACE-certified personal trainer.
Understanding your reason why will help you maintain the motivation needed to support your goals long term. The good news is there are steps most anyone ca.
