It’s a story we are all too familiar with: winter came, the couch was cosy, comfort food was irresistible… and now summer is here, your swimsuit is calling, and you’re suddenly in “get fit fast” mode.
But before you throw yourself into a whirlwind of intense workouts, remember this: even though you may be mentally ready for this challenge, your muscles and joints will need to be eased into your new exercise state of mind.
Selvan Naicker, Brand Manager for ActivEze™ says that going from zero to high-intensity training can cause more than just next-day soreness, it can lead to injury, burnout, and frustration. He explains that the key to getting results quickly without sidelining yourself is looking after your muscles and joints every step of the way.
Naicker offers the following five tips on how to train smart and stay strong, even if you’re starting later in the year:
- It’s tempting to dive straight into long runs, heavy weights, or back-to-back boot camps. But untrained muscles and joints need time to adapt. Begin with moderate intensity and build up. Think circuit sessions with bodyweight moves, resistance bands, and light cardio before moving on to heavier loads or longer distances.
- After months of inactivity, your muscles are less elastic and more prone to strain. Skipping warm-ups is an absolute no. Spend 10 minutes on dynamic stretches and light movement such as walking lunges, arm circles, and gentle jogging to prepare your body for training.
- Muscles and joints that haven’t been working much will be craving the nutrients they need to recover and repair. Using a supplement such as ActivEze™ capsules can help support muscle function and help to support joint mobility and speed up recovery while reducing joint discomfort due to exercise.
- After winter, it’s easy to forget that your body still needs hydration to work properly. Dehydration can increase cramping and slow recovery. Aim for regular sips of water throughout the day, not just during workouts.
- DOMS (delayed onset muscle soreness) is normal when you start training again, but sharp pain, swelling, or weakness is a sign to stop. Pushing through an injury now could derail your entire summer plan. Schedule at least one rest or active recovery day each week, with stretching, yoga, or swimming.
You might be working toward a summer-ready body, but the real win is building habits you can keep beyond the season. Treat your muscles and joints with care now, and you’ll not only look good for summer, but you’ll feel stronger year-round.
Whenever you decide to start an exercise routine, you can still make progress even if you’ve left your summer body prep to the last minute. But you can’t cheat your muscles and joints into working harder than they’re ready for. Train smart, eat well, recover properly, and you’ll get results without wrecking yourself in the process.
*The information provided is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider, if you have any questions or concerns regarding your health
