How to Come Back After Taking Time Off

Vacation, sick kid, a crazy work month, or you just fell off. It happens to everybody. Coaches included.

The comeback is where most people blow it. Here's how not to.

Don't try to make up for lost time. Doing three workouts in one day to "catch up" doesn't catch you up. It gets you hurt or so sore you disappear for another two weeks.

Start at about half. Half the weight, half the reps, or half the pace of what you were doing before you left. It'll feel too easy. Good. Week one is about showing up, not proving anything.

Pick your days ahead of time and write them down. "I'll go when I can" means you won't go. "Monday, Wednesday, Friday at 5:30" means you will.

Expect to feel like garbage for about a week. Your lungs will be mad and your legs will be mad. That's normal and it passes faster than you'd think.

Quit the guilt. Nobody at a good gym is keeping score of how long you were gone. They're just glad you're back.

If you make the wrong decision, make a different decision. Skipping a month was a decision. Coming back is a different one.