How to get in shape after 1 year sedentary + anemic
I’m a 20 year old female. I’m confused as to how to start my fitness journey. Last summer I was strength training w weight gain goal and made really nice “newbie” gains/before that I was always active….but some things happened in my life and I had to stop going to the gym and went into depression that’s almost lasted a year. During this time I havent moved almost literally despising any time I had to leave my apartment. Ive always been light on the scale for my height but I being sedentary just makes it worse. Im ready to get back in shape and healthy again.
This question may be elementary but out of shape is different for me bc I have chronic anemia from sc (never effected me until now) but I’m cleared to workout so long as I listen to my body….some days I feel like I can run a marathon others I feel light headed and dizzy after biking up one hill. Alls depends on my how my lifestyle is around that time
Side note: I’m already light on the scale for my height so I don’t want to lose weight….I want to start gaining at some point
Seeing a doctor is always a good idea before beginning and exercise program and I’m glad you did so and are cleared to exercise while listening to your body. Working with a personal trainer either locally or via Skype (my preference is local) is also a good idea, to get you started.
here are a few thoughts.
1) Since you’ve battled depression, you might benefit from some light cardiovascular exercise, particularly a moderate tempo walk out of doors in the fresh air. I’m not sure whether your weather permits that, but especially this time of year when it’s dark out, seasonal affective disorder can make depression worse. Light cardio for endorphins (but not working so hard that you lose weight) plus the benefits of sunlight and clean air could be a great way for you to get re-started.
2) How did you like your weight training regimen that you were on before? Perhaps you could re-start that, gently. If you want to post some of the exercises you’re doing, I’ll bet you’ll get good general advice here, like if you’re missing any important movements or muscles. You’ll eventually want a trainer or to mix up your workouts though, because you don’t want your body to get too used to doing one specific workout (for a lot of reasons).