How to get back on track after years on inactivity?

[Anonymous]

i played volleyball for around years but then had to stop due to going to high school, could you help me get things together? should i hit the gym or should i start working out at home? thanks.

[tremendousfern]

Personally, I recommend a gym because especially when you're new or getting back on track, people need a destination to go to workout to avoid slacking off at home. Planet Fitness has $10 membership fees. But if there isn't somewhere cheap nearby or you can't afford a membership, then don't bankrupt yourself either. Home workouts are fine too.

For home workouts, you can do a lot with body weight training. Walking/running, pushups, situps, pullups, squats, etc.

The key is discipline, not motivation. If you wait for the right opportunity or motivation to go to the gym, it won't ever come because working out sucks. You feel sore, you feel tired, it's painful. But you must force yourself to do something every day until it becomes a habit and eventually enjoyable.

You will feel exhausted and miserable about going to the gym when you start out but you need to ignore that feeling and get in your gym clothes, get in your car, and drive to the gym. Get out of your car and walk inside the gym. If you turn around and immediately leave, that's fine, but you must go to the gym no matter what. That's what I did to get into a routine. My first few workouts were literally just me stepping inside the gym, walking around the indoor track a bit, then leaving. And then I built up from there.

Start small too. You don't need a big workout plan. Just go for a brisk walk. Do something and then progress from there.