The man who crushed it in the gym 5 days a week…
Until… “Life” got in the way.
It’s a tale as old as time.
A new office job, growing family, stress, you name it.
All the progress starts to wither.
To make matters worse, a rut like this makes it harder than ever to get back into your old groove.
But it’s all in your head, right?
Not quite.
A study from the University of Leeds in the UK showed there are molecules released into the bloodstream that cause this inactivity. [R]
More specifically, when your body detects a sudden drop in physical habits, it produces a protein called Piezo1 which reduces the density of capillaries carrying blood to the muscles.
Meaning, it’s physically harder to work out again.
So if you’re in a good rhythm with your exercise routine, it’s best to do everything you can to maintain that consistency.
If you’re in a rut? Well, there’s no better time to get out.
It’s only going to get harder the more you put it off.
But don’t try to get back into it by attempting to pick up where you left off.
That will only leave you frustrated at how much harder it’s gotten.
It’s best by starting at first gear with a routine designed for beginners.
Or at least a level significantly lower than where you left off.
Even taking it down a few gears can feel like a drag at the start, but if you keep at it and stay consistent, you’ll hit your escape velocity sooner than you think.
You remember how it was, right?
You’ll hit a point where every workout gives you a rush.
You’ll go through your routine with enough stamina to enjoy yourself. You’ll walk out with that pristine mental clarity that lasts throughout the rest of your day.
Of course, the only obstacle in your way is the amount of effort it takes to get back to that point.
But it’s worth it.
Just remember that exercise is hardest for those that need it the most.