If even 5 years ago you would have told me that I would be a “gym” person, I would have laughed in your face. And what is a “gym” person anyway? I think I thought it was a super fit, eat only vegan, work out with only weights and a personal trainer type of person. That ain’t me.
But, as I looked around in January with increased membership post resolution time, my heart went out to what appeared to be new faces.
I called this “Gym Rules”, yet I’m really talking about a mindset. A mindset that really goes against my original definition of a “gym” person. And if after reading, you still aren’t a gym person, just find the way for you to honor the temple you’ve been given by getting proper exercise, and get to it.
Here are 5 things I’m offering up as Gym Rules:
- Find a place you feel comfortable. As I looked around recently, I loved seeing all ages, skill levels and body types at my gym. If you can’t feel comfortable with who you are when you walk in to a gym, keep on looking. Now, that doesn’t mean that you can’t be inspired to work towards a skill or weight goal. I think SMART goals are awesome.
- Your outfit doesn’t make for a better workout experience. For some, buying the right brand of yoga (or fill in exercise type here) outfit has them falsely believing that the outfit makes the whole workout experience a success or failure. Or, that it makes your health goals a success or a failure. I think this is even done in a subconscious way. I see sweet girls all done up in the name brand duds and makeup on. Now- if this is how you do (and have always done) the gym, do it! But don’t think looking like a 10 will lead you to better health. While I love my gym clothes to fit properly and not hinder my movement, my Costco pants can get the job done just as well as my Lulu. Just get in there and work friend!!
- Try something new. How do you know if you do or don’t like something unless you try? Sounds like what you heard growing up, right? And, with that said, if you take a class, give it your all. Even if you decide it’s not for you, give it your best effort, or mosey on out the door. I know it’s easy to think people are judging you and how you look doing the exercises or moves, but 99.9% of them are there to get a good workout and are not looking at you. And if that is their focus, they need to look in the mirror. All y’all (me included) probably look ridiculous at times moving and contorting your bodies. Just go with it and have fun. The worst is when someone takes a class, and just takes up space by not giving a rip.
- Plan gym time into your schedule. If it doesn’t become part of your schedule, you’ll be just one of the many who pay their gym because they are darn nice people. For the love!! Don’t be this person- you are paying to use their equipment, and/or take classes. Get the most out of your money.
- Modify your eating habits. Life is about balance. People should not expect to change one area of life (like adding in the gym) and see dramatic results, if other parts of their life stay the same. I’m guessing your goal in joining the gym had to do with one of 2 things- losing weight, or being/feeling more fit. To me, this involves 3 main things: exercising, increasing water intake to hydrate properly, and diet modification. (Notice I didn’t say “diet”.) According to MayoClinic.org: “Get at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes of vigorous aerobic activity a week, or a combination of moderate and vigorous activity. The guidelines suggest that you spread out this exercise during the course of a week. Greater amounts of exercise will provide even greater health benefit. But even small amounts of physical activity are helpful.”
Do some research on a healthy, balanced diet. Even cutting, or drastically reducing, sugar and caffeine would make a dramatic difference for most people. If you’ve already done this, try cutting down on processed food and increasing fruits and veggies. Or, for even more ideas, check out my FB group where I’ve just released 2 classes on ways to be healthy and fit. I am NOT a doctor, so always seek advice as needed.
Hear my heart in all of this. It really went out to all the people I’ve run across while at my local gym recently. (And, yes, I feel very blessed that it’s even open.) I’m very passionate about people looking after their health, and it pained me to think of all the junk, even within our own minds, that can get in the way of that. You’ve got this! And your health is worth it.
Embrace Life
