There is nothing more frustrating than a nagging injury. I have had many throughout my years, both as a collegiate athlete and a weekend warrior doing my best to stay fit. These injuries have caused me to miss days, weeks, and months of training. Along with the frustration that comes with being injured comes the realization that I am going to have to work hard to regain the fitness level that I enjoyed before the injury.

Whether an injury sidelined you or you took a lengthy, much-needed break, you’re miles from the good old days of feeling strong and fit. The only exercise you’re familiar with these days includes short trips to and from the refrigerator while you vegetate on the couch.

There’s no reason to get discouraged; you and only you can change the situation. But to get back into your training program, you’ll need to take action if you want to recapture the fitness level you once enjoyed. Before you jump headfirst into a serious workout program, you’ll want to keep in mind some general guidelines to avoid some of the same injuries or burnout that put you in this frustrating position to start with.