Is it possible to come back after a year of almost no workout?

[loxagos_snake]

Let me clarify this a bit: about two years ago, I started taking kickboxing classes and lifting weights on days between. You see, I had just broke up from a long relationship and wanted a pick-me-up. I followed a very strict routine with dedication for about a year. But shite hit the fan last summer and I had a lot of things drain my motivation -along with a knee injury- and I stopped at my tracks.

Now, it's not to say that I'm completely average. I have kept a lot of my strength (used to lift 10 KGs of free weights, now doing 8's) and tone, but the flab has started showing up and I've lost a lot of mass. I've never been (or aimed to be) extremely muscular, but I was decently toned; think of my goal as a 'soldier style' body with both functionality and eye candy for the ladies, nothing too Schwarzenegger.

Since I'm a huge pessimist, I feel like at my 22 it's already too late. Also, keep in mind I don't have access to a gym because of budgetary issues, but I do have a treadmill, some free weights and a pull-up bar at home, which work fine. Should I attempt a comeback or am I too far gone?

Updates

+1 y

Also, keep in mind that I know a ridiculous number of variations with each of the above equipment, so along with body weight exercises I've got at least 100 different variations in my brain.

[TFLxAvenger]

Attempt the come back for the win!!!

First thing to realize is, once you get past the first week you will be fine. All the lactic acid is built up inside of you, your muscles aren't use to working out probably and therefore you will be sore day 1-day 10 probably.

Start loading up on carbs and protein, keep hydrated and start your workout. You have many things you can do to workout...

*Pushups
*Burpees
*Squats
*Lunges
*Dips
*Dragon Walks/Crawls
*Abs/Core to the unknown
*Planks
*Sprints
*Yoga

If you don't want to become decently toned again right away, which doing burpees and planks would probably make that happen in a month easily, start by doing some type of sport. Get outside and shoot hoops for an hour or two. Or kick a soccer ball with a friend, or throw a football. That'll bring your body back to homeostasis to the point in which you were once fit.

[DanAG]

I was a pretty good athlete and in a lot of sports in high school. After high school I did very little for several years. But then I got in great shape and was in the best shape of my life in my mid-to-late 30s.

At 22 you are not even close to being at your peak. It's all about motivation and wanting to do it. If you think you are too far gone at your age you might as well throw in the towel. You are way too young to throw in the towel, so get off your ass and get with the program. Stop making lame excuses and just do it. It's all in your head so get your head in the right place.

[drowningcreek]

It's always hard to get back in the habit in the beginning and you have to have a reason to keep going...but I know a lot of people who can't afford a gym and still stay in shape by running, sit-ups, push-ups, their own weights etc

[zombiebabe]

i think its possible to catch up..a guy friend of mine stopped workouts after nearly two years and then he went back to the gym (it was a bit difficult in the beginning for him) but he looks good now

[I_Love_Russians]

I started lifting weights at 24 years old. My max deadlift was like 200lbs. 10 years later I'm lifting 600lbs. And that's being lazy with my workouts. I usually take a long time between sets and don't keep very good track of my progress. If I didn't do that, I would probably be lifting a lot more lbs.

[rthomas43]

Give it a go man. I didn't play ball for 4 years. One year of training I had a possibility of playing a little bit of minor leagues, until my body took a giant shit on itself. Evan Tanner originally trained straight out of his garage.
You got this.

[RaskolnikovRo]

its easy to come back, but I've never took so long to do so. When you start to see results, you will never give up and then pursue body perfection which is pretty hard.

Yes, it is soo doable to get back, dont be lazy

[Argus14]

I see no reason why you can't start working out again. You don't need a gym membership to work out. With everything you mentioned you can implement a very effective calisthenic training routine if you really were dedicated.