Tobbe's Tips: 3 Ways to Get Started with Your Training

It's completely normal for periods of more or less training to come and go. Sometimes you have plenty of time and motivation to be active, and other times you need to prioritise other things. After a period of less exercise, it can be tough to get back into it, even if the desire is there. Tobias Karlsson, a well-known training coach and professional dancer, shares his best tips for restarting your fitness journey.

Start gently and make it sustainable

Being active has great benefits, both physically and mentally. But finding a routine where you move more isn't always easy. It can often feel like you're facing a long uphill battle. Tobbe's best tip for tackling this is to start gently and build up slowly. It's easy to think you should start a new routine and go 110% from the get-go, but going from 0 to 100 usually isn't sustainable in the long run. Tobbe reminds us to incorporate more exercise at a pace that fits the rest of your daily life, and that you feel you can maintain over time. Once you start to notice the routine is sticking, you can always increase the intensity a little. Consistency is key!

Lower your expectations

Very few people, if any, can return to a training routine and bench their max weight straight away. If you've had a long break, you won't be at the same level as when you were last actively training. And that's completely okay! Your body has to carry you through your whole life, so start gently and build up gradually.

“Lowering your expectations is important. Don't forget to give yourself a pat on the back and praise yourself for fitting in a workout, regardless of its length, into your busy schedule,” says Tobias.

All exercise is good exercise

Everyone's exercise needs are different. What's important is that you find a form that suits you. Maybe it's pilates, walks in the woods, or a session at the gym. Tobbe believes that as long as you enjoy the type of exercise and find it fun, it doesn't really matter what you do – because all exercise is good exercise. And don't underestimate everyday activity! Get off the bus one stop earlier on your way home from work, cycle shorter distances instead of taking the car, or take the stairs instead of the lift. Every small change contributes to your fitness and well-being!

Tobias's favourite products for training

“Before I go to sleep, I take Zinc and Magnesium to work overnight to help my body recover better. I also take protein powder in connection with my training. I love unflavoured protein powder so I can mix it into almost anything,” says Tobbe.

About Tobias

Tobias “Tobbe” Karlsson is well-known from shows like Let’s Dance, where he was a professional dancer for 19 seasons. Tobbe has extensive experience in training and well-being. He is also a training coach and lecturer, spreading energy wherever he goes.