Groundhog Day: Getting Back on Track

The temperature is gradually warming up, the snow is slowly retreating, and winter coats are now 50% off—there’s no doubt about it… spring is on its way. As the snow melts, so too rises our desire to get moving again.

However, if you're like many people who have been in semi-hibernation for a few months and still carrying some holiday weight, motivation might be hard to come by when it comes to getting back on the health track. You know what? I’m just like you. I’m the type of guy who occasionally takes a long break before starting to train again. Naturally, when you’ve put on a few pounds and your fitness level isn’t what it was last summer, your confidence and self-esteem might take a hit. To help ease the guilt, here are three tips I use with my clients (and myself) to “restart the engine” and get ready for the running season.

1. Don’t Beat Yourself Up

Yes! You took time to rest, moved less, maybe ate richer foods, and enjoyed life. So what? That’s a very human thing to do. Sometimes, life calls for a pause, and that’s perfectly okay. That said, this break is now over, and it’s time to gradually reintegrate healthy habits to regain your previous fitness level.

2. About That Weight…

Gained three kilos? Great! You could blame yourself and everyone else, but the weight is there regardless. When you think about it, gaining weight often just means your focus shifted elsewhere—perhaps toward other goals or priorities, which altered your eating habits without you noticing. If it took a few months to gain the weight, give yourself just as much time to lose it. Trust me, the best weight loss results come from a slow, steady approach.

3. Progress at Your Own Pace

Were you running 10 km daily last summer, but haven’t exercised in months? Don’t expect to pick up where you left off—at least, not at the same intensity. The human body is an amazing machine; it adapts quickly, but unfortunately, it also detunes just as fast. After just a few weeks off, your muscular strength and cardiovascular fitness can decline significantly. The key? Take it slow! Progressing gradually will help you regain your fitness while minimizing the risk of injury.

Final Thoughts

If you're reading this, chances are you're at the Centre Multisports. Maybe you’ve just finished a workout, are thinking about signing up, or perhaps your youngest is off dazzling in gymnastics while you wait quietly. Whatever the case, winter is definitely coming to an end, and now’s the time to stack the odds in your favor to optimize your health.

In conclusion, people often ask me: “But I’m so tired of starting over every year.”
Here’s my answer: if you’re tired of starting over… stop quitting!

Happy training!