I Love Gym
#withDavida
It’s January and I’m going to tell you something your gym-going friends might keep secret this time of year…
the gym is freakin’ AWESOME.
The gym is a Mecca for people who have committed to consistently putting forth the effort to make themselves stronger, healthier and fit. And if you believe you need to surround yourself with like people for success this is a good place to be if you want to get in shape. Now, at the beginning of the year when people are executing the most popular New Year’s resolution, you’ll have plenty of company.
If till now you’ve shunned the thought of donning tight clothes and sweating along side other people the idea might seem intimidating. There are many different machine contraptions and big muscles guys with very serious faces. You might be confused about how to sit on one of those machines let alone how it works. Asking one of those muscle men for help is probably furthest from your mind unless you’re looking for a boyfriend. Furthermore the group fitness classes are full and everyone but you seems to understand the commands coming out of the instructor’s mouth. The best you can do is figure out how to make the treadmill work and then slip into the sauna.
Gym Workout with Others Help with Motivation!
Actually the gym is full of fun, helpful and friendly people who would love to share advice with a fellow fitness buff (sometimes too much).
It is a community of positive health conscious people who gather at the gym. After all research shows that exercise puts you in a better mood. So the gym is a house of happiness!
I think of one of those big guys named Mike who knows many of the regulars in the after-work crowd. In between getting on the treadmill and using a few weight machines he loves to talk to everyone about their favorite sports team. Yours may not be his favorite but he will remember yours and comment on how it faired in the recent game. He always has a smile and was recently handing out friends and family coupons for a sporting store.
I like to call a lady named Terry, The Ambassador. If you’re new to the fitness class she will introduce herself and make you feel welcome. I tease her about doing it while I’m trying to give first time instruction. But she’s my go-to person when I can’t remember someone’s name.
Everybody knows Jerry, a guy who takes two and three fitness class a day but stays in the back doing his own thing. For him the class instructions are just guidelines. Since turning retirement age he’s been taking advantage of his “Silver Sneakers” status and visiting various gyms that honor the Seniors membership program. He has made friends all around town.
The first time doing something new is always a little uneasy.
If you want to try a new gym you might ask a friend if you can accompany them. People love to invite friends to their regular fitness class or like having someone to talk to on the elliptical trainer. This way you will have someone ready to show you the ropes. If you decide to join you will have a gym buddy and that person will probably get some kind of reward for referring you.
If you don’t have a friend who already regularly goes to the gym you’ll have to muster up the courage to try one on your own.
Most gyms offer three to seven days free membership for first time users. Someone will give you a tour showing off its assets. Many gyms also offer one or more free training session with a professional. Of course they want you to know how to use the equipment and feel successful so you’ll join and remain a member. Try not to be shy about greeting other members and asking them why they like that gym.
Once there go ahead and play it safe.
Figure out how to turn on the treadmill and then head for the sauna. But a long the way, take a detour and see what’s going on. What’s happening in those group exercise classes? What are the trainers doing with small cluster of people in the corner of the weight area? Plot out what you might try next time. The person at the front desk will be happy to direct you.
If you can find your way into a group exercise class sneak over and tell the instructor before it starts that you’re new. They would love to give you some advice and keep an eye on you to be sure you can follow along. Group exercise classes are especially good for bonding with people because within the hour you develop the mentality “we’re all in this together” that will push you through till the end. In one of my long-time late morning fitness classes we started having a monthly lunch together after class. We’ve made some good life long friends.
Here are three things to remember to be successful with your gym membership.
1). Find a place that is close and convenient so you don’t have to go out of your way to workout. We don’t need ANY excuses.
2) Be sure you’re comfortable with the facility. If you know you’ll want to sauna and shower afterwards, is it clean and adequate? Can you find fun fitness classes for your level and convenient times? Do you have to wait too long for a machine during the times you’ll be there?
3) Are the people and employees friendly and inviting? It should be some place you look forward to going. It’s hard enough to motivate yourself to exercise regularly, so you definitely want to belong to a place where you feel welcome.
- You will find all kinds of people from many different backgrounds at the gym.
- Not only can you make friends but also you can network and try new things.
- I am encouraged by the people there reaching to meet their goals and I’m inspired by their accomplishments.
Yes, as the humorous t-shirt says, I love Gym!
Resources:
- http://www.webmd.com/men/features/how-find-gym
- http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2015/01/11/find-the-right-gym_n_6438524.html
