Going to the gym…a love-hate relationship
I used to hate going to the gym, now I just don’t like it very much. There’s always that one smelly guy, there’s the twenty year old texting in front of the free weights, and that “cougar” woman wearing way too much perfume (even if she were at a night club). But weight lifting transforms my body and I love that. So what tips do I have for you so that your hatred, loathing, fear, irritation might be assuaged and you could gain the benefits of your local YMCA or Gold’s?
Plan your workout
Don’t show up and “wing it” until you feel confident to do that. Make a plan for the week. When I’m not very motivated to go to the gym, I still do this. Right now my gym exercise is Monday, Wednesday and Friday. (I also do “non-gym” exercise.) I do 30 minutes on the elliptical and then I do about 30 minutes of weights. Monday I did biceps and triceps, Wednesday I did chest and back and today I did shoulders and legs. I also do abdominal exercises each of those days. Yes, I should have had one more day of legs, but I didn’t.
As you’re starting out, you may want to make a list of the exercises you are planning to do so you feel more confident and like you’ve accomplished something when you’ve finished.
Understand, believe, KNOW that no one gives a crap what you’re doing at the gym
I get that it can be a little intimidating and you can feel self conscious. Don’t. I don’t have a magic solution to this, but it’s like anything else in life, the more you do it, the more confident you become and the less uncomfortable the whole situation is. The discomfort and self consciousness will wane. For now, live through it.
Don’t waste your time
If you have a half hour to go to the gym, use it wisely. Don’t stand around waiting for a certain machine to be free, go use a different one. Don’t give yourself a minute break in between exercises, go do a different exercise that works a different muscle. I’ll give my shoulders a rest by doing crunches or leg extensions (or vice versa.) You can see why planning (my first recommendation) is a good idea.
Don’t waste your time
I’ll say it again! If you’re able to chit chat on your cell phone, you’re not working hard enough. Don’t waste your time by not giving yourself a good work out. Some of you (hey, ladies!) are still worried that you’re going to bulk up. You won’t, can’t, will not. BE SURE TO LIFT HEAVY WEIGHTS. Here’s a question, “How much does your toddler weigh?” I can see that you’re all bulked up from carrying him around. Oh, you’re not? If you’re there to lift weights, be sure you’re lifting enough to make it worth your while.
Be prepared
Have a water bottle, have a towel, bring your iPod, pack your weight lifting gloves. You can keep a pre-packed gym bag in your trunk or by your front door.
Try something new
Hire a personal trainer, get on the rowing machine, go to a yoga class, try out spinning (that’s a cycling class in case you didn’t know.) Be daring! Get in the pool. For people who are quite overweight or who have joint pain, the swimming pool is a great place to start. It’s kind to your joints and once you’re in the water, no one can see you!
May you be happy and healthy,
Regan
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