How to Prepare for a New Exercise Regime

If you’re getting back into exercise after an injury, illness, or a long break, it’s a great idea to start by filling out the PAR-Q Physical Activity Readiness questionnaire to make sure it’s safe for you to begin. If anything flags on the questionnaire, check in with your doctor before jumping into a new routine.

Once you’re cleared, start slow and stay consistent. Your lungs may bounce back quickly, but your joints and tendons often need more time to adapt. Building the habit is far more important than chasing big goals right away. Try to focus on how movement makes you feel rather than just the end result.

Choose activities you actually enjoy and that align with your goals, and lean into the social side of exercise by finding a workout buddy, joining a team, or taking a class. And most importantly, setbacks are normal. Exercise is never all or nothing. You can always slow down, take a break, and start again. You’ve got this!