If you’ve suffered an illness or accident that required a long period of rest and has prevented you from performing athletic activity, it’s normal to feel run down and without energy. You might have also gained a few unwanted pounds. When the doctor has finally given you the green light to resume training, everything can change. Especially since you have the right machine to get you going again: your treadmill.

When should you start working out again after your recovery period?

Because of your injury or illness, you’ve had to sit out the last several months. Now, you’re feeling ready, though, and you have only one desire: to lace up your trainers. Even though you’re excited to get going, make sure you take the proper steps. After all, starting up too soon could cause a new injury, which would simply immobilize you once again.

To ensure a successful recovery, the first thing you need to do is discuss a training plan with your doctor or physiotherapist. Only a health professional can confirm that your condition has stabilised, and that you are able to get back into the swing of things.

At the same time, resume good habits. During your recovery period, maybe you overindulged yourself a bit too much with sweets, or maybe you didn’t get enough sleep because you were staying up too late watching television. Cut out the sweets, adopt a balanced diet, and get regular sleep. Doing these things will help you to increase your energy and be in the right mind-set for working out.

Make up your own progressive programme. Don’t try to start off at the same level you were at before your injury or illness. Sometimes, it’s even better to choose an entirely new athletic discipline. That way, you won’t be able to make comparisons between the old and new you, which could prove discouraging at the beginning of your training routine. Whatever you decide, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor to help to determine what might be the best activity for you… and which should be avoided.

The treadmill: a great choice

To get off on the right foot, as it were, why not opt for a treadmill that you can use at home?
With a treadmill, you can make a very gradual recovery: from walking to a brisker pace, then alternating walking and running, and finally, fast running. No matter what your starting point might be, a treadmill can match your needs. And as you get stronger, just adjust the resistance, incline or duration of your sessions to work up to a seriously intensive training!

With a treadmill at home, you can train whenever you want, and at your own pace. For example, if your doctor advises you to split your training into two 20-minute sessions – one in the morning and one in the evening – it could prove difficult to get to a gym twice a day. If you’ve got the treadmill right there in your home, you don’t have to lose time going to and from the gym.

Finally, walking and running are great fitness activities. You strengthen the legs, glutes, abs and back, to help train from head to toe. On a treadmill, you can engage in a worthwhile athletic activity – no need to worry about running on uneven terrain. Meanwhile, the regularity of your stride on a treadmill helps you to find your footing again and get back in touch with your body.

Purchasing a treadmill is a good choice for the long term due to its many advantages over outdoor running. Even after you’ve fully recovered, you’ll gladly use it because it will help you to train more regularly.

Which treadmill should you get?

Once you’ve decided on a treadmill, you need to choose the right one for you. Be careful: make the wrong choice (for example, a model that’s too small, or one that can’t be inclined), and you’ll soon be discouraged. Rest assured that there are plenty of solid models to choose from, even if you live in a small apartment.

Our ultimate recommendation: take a look at NordicTrack’s reliable line of quality treadmills. This will be your first step towards a complete recovery and the beginning of a long journey towards an increasingly athletic lifestyle!

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