Thoughts on getting back to the gym after January 1

This is an excerpt from our AGTD Online Training Community group. You can get a two-week free trial now by clicking HERE

Speaking on keeping yourself accountable, Seán here so I just wanted to touch on my training day today and how some of the principles behind it are the same principles behind your training programme.

I eased into my gym workout today, having not done as much in the last two weeks, there was no point in trying to lift the weight I did before Christmas and risk getting injured. Every set should feel like you could have done two more reps, especially with the bigger muscle group sets such as the goblet squats.

I managed to get a run (and a cycle) in as well. With my running, and a lot of runs in the App, they are labelled "easy" runs. Another term for them is Zone 2. This is when you can run and hold a conversation at the same time. If you can't hold a conversation, you are going too fast. If you are only starting to get into running, that might mean a lot of walking in between short jogging intervals. That's ok! That's progress.

And if this tactic works for the greats like Eliud Kipchoge, this "easier" approach should work for us too.

Ironically, on my treadmill run today, I was listening to David Goggins new audio book, Never Finished, he talks about the same principles. He says he runs 80% of his runs at Zone 2 and it helps him run further and faster, along with reducing the risk of his body breaking down. Running at this slower pace helps us improve our aerobic capacity.

For the more experienced runners in this group, we do have an option for an interval session this week. If you are only getting back into running, skip it or go for a light jog/walk.

Hope the tips help this week!

Seán