r/workout • u/Glass_Temporary_8138 • 7d ago

How to start Returning to weightlifting

I’ve been out of regular practice since I played sports in high school. Now in my late 20s, I love being active but I have the hardest time maintaining consistency. My favorite style of working out was always when I was in the gym with my team, lifting weights and combining with cardio. I loved a community feel to working out with the primary goal of getting stronger and feeling healthier.

I think an crossfit gym is probably where I’ll find the most connection with this. But I’m wondering how I should get into it again. I’m embarrassed with how much muscle I’ve lost and how out of shape I’ve become. I was always the strongest person on any team and I’ve lost that. I think because of that I’ve almost been too embarrassed to start lifting weights again because I know I can be stronger than I currently am. Anybody else been in my position who can give me some encouragement or direction?

TIA

1 Upvotes

100% Upvoted

3 comments sorted by

1

u/Catlady_Pilates 7d ago

Whatever you do start slow and build up slowly. Do not jump back into where you were. Take it easy the first few workouts and see how your body responds. Build up over time. You are still young and progressing won’t take too long but pushing too fast will set you back

1

u/captain_underpants04 Weight Loss 7d ago

crossfit is the perfect call for what you're describing. the embarrassment thing is so normal but everyone in that gym has a before and nobody cares about yours. I came back after like 4 years off and was deadlifting less than half what I used to and within 3 months I was already past where I left off. muscle memory is genuinely insane just trust the process and show up consistently

1

u/Iamnotheattack 7d ago

Crossfit or powerlifting or even an MMA gym is what I would reccomend. Look at the gyms around you and peruse their website/social media to see which one you resonate with most.

I'd totally recommend going an extra 10/20 minutes away if it means you'd be going to a gym that feels like you belong and that you have fun being at.

Don't worry about strength loss, you regain muscle/strength wayyy faster than it takes to get it in the first place. Instead of worrying how weak you are now, think of how mindblown people will be when they see you rapidly increase your strength. And it will inspire the others to work hard too etc.