Going to the gym can benefit everyone, I’m pretty sure we can all agree on that. The hard part is motivating yourself to go regularly. We all want to be healthy and fit but find it hard to come up with the energy to do so. Here are some useful tips to help you put that untouched gym membership to good use. It’s never too late to start!
7. Find a Workout Partner
Although you may hear otherwise, having a gym partner can benefit you if you’re just starting out. Find someone who is on the same page as you, or has a little bit more experience. Do not go to the gym with a meat head! People who live at the gym can have the best of intentions to help you, but they may overwhelm you and ultimately turn you off to the entire concept.
Instead, go with a sibling or even a close friend who is also looking to take that first step. This way the gym won’t be so boring and you can help motivate each other to grow. Having someone there with you will give you the extra push to get yourself going because despite how bad it may sound, we don’t want to humiliate ourselves in front of someone we respect by not accomplishing our goals. Let the fear of embarrassment be your motivation to stay consistent.
6. Leave Your Phone in the Car
Leave your phone in the car! I can’t stress this one enough. Bringing your phone with you inside the gym is just a huge distraction. No one likes the guy who is hogging up the machine or bench because he’s sitting there scrolling through Instagram or Twitter between sets. I know what you’re thinking- “But I need to listen to music to keep me focused!”. That’s fine. I recommend bringing an iPod or MP3 Player (do those even exist anymore?) with you instead of opting for your phone.
Also, having your phone with you will undoubtedly urge you to take the generic “At the gym” selfie. Admit it. We all know those people who constantly post pictures of themselves at the gym to show their followers how “fit” they are. Don’t post about it- be about it! Of course, there’s nothing wrong with feeling good about yourself and wanting to post a pic of your progress, just wait until you get home! If you MUST bring your phone with you, put it on DO NOT DISTURB mode.
5. Listen to upbeat Songs
Studies show that listening to uplifting and fast songs can motivate you to get through your workout. You’ll run longer, push harder and have fun while doing it. This is why most gyms play fast-paced music over the loud speaker, but let’s be honest… it’s usually terrible. Make a workout playlist or even better- listen to someone else’s workout playlist on Spotify! You’ll find yourself working out for longer if you’re distracted by music rather than paying attention to the clock.
4. Try Pre-Workout to get an Extra Push
Pre-Workout is like magic. I have to warn you that if you’ve never taken pre-workout before, then start slow. Take half a serving for a week before moving up to a full serving. Everyone goes through the awkward uncomfortable phase when starting pre-workout.
You get tingly all over, especially in your ears. It’s a bit unsettling at first but once your body gets used to the routine, you won’t feel it as much. I recommend taking a break from pre-workout every few weeks so that your body won’t become immune to the effects. Also, try switching brands every once in a while to find the one that agrees with your body the best. A great pre-workout with an awesome taste is Enrage- Rocket Pop Flavor.
3. Don’t Worry About What Everyone Else is Doing
Focus on your own success. It might be easier said than done, but try not to pay attention to how much everyone is lifting or how long they’ve been at the gym. Start off at your own pace. Find a routine but don’t get glued to it. Your body will naturally become conditioned to the weight you’re lifting and the machines you’re using. Switch it up every few months.
My routine is chest and arms on Mondays and back and shoulders on Wednesdays. Friday is a free for all. You don’t want to overwork yourself because that’ll end up doing more harm than good.
Pro Tip: A good starting point is to do 3 sets of 6 reps followed by 1 set of 25 reps at half the weight. When you feel like you’re used to the weight, then move up!
2. It’s Okay to Eat Junk Food
Go ahead and eat what makes you happy. Just do it in moderation. We all crave that Hot Cheetos fix, just don’t go overboard. It’s a myth that eating junk food will negate the effects of going to the gym. I know plenty of people who eat whatever they want, but they make sure to make up for it while at the gym.
Don’t deprive yourself from things you love. You want to be fit, but you don’t want to sacrifice your happiness while doing so. Again, we all know that one person who is always on a diet and tries experimental supplements but is always in a bad mood. If that person is who you want to be like, then ask yourself, “Are they even happy?”. Chances are that they aren’t. Always remember that.
And lastly….
1. Results Take Time
Don’t feel discouraged if you don’t get that six pack in a month. Muscle takes time to grow and all of our bodies are different. I like to consider myself fairly fit, but it took a quite a while for me to start seeing results even after going to the gym 2-3 times a week routinely for two years. I got stronger for sure, but physical results depend on your body. Of course I wish I had the chisel sculpted appearance of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Zac Efron, but I’m pretty damn proud of the progress I’ve made. I’m nowhere near perfect but I continue to keep up with the gym.
So there you have it. If you’re planning on trying to lose weight this year, then remember these tips. Don’t feel ashamed or embarrassed to start going to the gym, because everyone is there for the same reason- to become more fit. One of the things that we all forget at some point is that everyone you see at the gym was starting their journey at some point also.
Good luck with your self improvement!
Have some good workout tips for beginners? Add them to the comments below!
