Do you feel too unhealthy to go to the gym?
You can burn 500 calories in some group fitness classes. You can literally dance your booty off!
Going to the gym can be hard.
Sometimes it’s hard to even consider walking into a gym or fitness facility. The staff is beautiful and super fit, the machines look like torture chambers, the members are uber-focused on their workout and don’t seem very friendly and often you can feel lost in the big gym space. I have been in fitness facilities for over 22 years and I STILL get that feeling sometimes. It’s hard! Not to mention that you are starting in a gym to get healthy and you may not feel very fit at this point. All of these conditions can quickly lower your self-confidence and keep you from showing up and reaching your goals.
Let’s make going to the gym easier.
Here are some tips to help you get over the new-gym hump.
Find an Accountability Partner.
Everything is better with a friend! We are created for connection, so find a trustworthy friend who will commit to walking through the gym doors with you and staying by your side.
Share Your Goals on Paper.
Share your goals on paper
Before you start your new health-focused plan, grab a coffee with your workout buddy and write your personal goals with a deadline. Having them in your hand and sharing those goals with someone else makes them tangible and real. You will be more motivated to take action to achieve your health goals.
Take the Gym Tour.
Often with a gym membership, a trainer will walk you through the exercise equipment and the gym layout as part of a free tour. The trainer may offer the opportunity to purchase individual training sessions which is an excellent option for newcomers to fitness, but the free tour is part of the gym membership. You can use that introduction to get familiar with the equipment, cardio machines, group fitness studios and stretching areas. The more confident you feel in the gym, the more likely you will return and start exploring new ways to exercise.
Try a Group Fitness Class.
Did you know that one hour of Zumba, Kickboxing or Tabata can burn over 500 calories? -Layne Bruner
Did you know that one hour of Zumba Fitness®, Kickboxing or Tabata Training can burn over 500 calories? What?!? I can literally dance my booty off? Sign me up! I would also suggest the strength classes offered in group fitness. You will be in a setting where your instructor can teach you proper form so you know how to use weights and position your body correctly to protect yourself from future injury. Always tell your instructor if you are new so he or she will give you more attention and make sure you understand the class.
Make a Plan and Stick with it!
It takes around two months to form a new habit so find time to plan your week’s workouts in-between your busy schedule and make it happen! When you feel like slacking off and skipping your workout, call on your buddy for support. When you complete a month of solid workouts and healthy eating, reward yourself with a massage or something that makes your heart sing!
Candess M. Campbell says
Love the look of this blog. I belonged to the Spokane Club for several years for the gym membership but didn’t go. I realized that when I was younger I loved the gym, but now I enjoy working out at home. My preference is having a personal trainer.
Jennifer Quisenberry says
Thank you! I’m so glad you enjoyed it! I’ve used a personal trainer before too! Good times!
Layne Bruner says
Personal trainers are wonderful. If you have the financial means to work one on one, that is excellent!
Kristen Wilson says
I actually prefer to see people in the gym that aren’t “perfect” because they usually have been there and got the Tshirt. Super tips and reminders… we just need to find/make the time to go and go! (BTW.. I do.. every morning)
Jennifer Quisenberry says
Me too. Layne’s article really speaks to me. I’ve had a lot of health challenges as well as diabetic issues with my feet, so going to the gym is intimidating for me. I wish ours was friendlier. Instead, it’s a bit “if you’re not fit already, why are you here?” I think gyms in general really need to address that. Where Layne teaches, she is a major reason why people love it there. She is so encouraging with such a “you can do it!” attitude. I don’t necessarily need a cheerleader to get me into the gym, but it certainly helps not feeling shamed for not being in perfect physical condition.
Layne Bruner says
Totally Kristen! They seem so much more real to me and that is really comfortable. I love a good morning workout any day! ??
MuttButs ? Tricia Clements says
Great post. I’ve been trying to keep up with walking my dogs 4+ times per week. They get really mad if I slack off 😉
Jennifer Quisenberry says
I know that feeling. We have two big dogs, and they don’t hesitate to let us know when they need to burn off some energy. They are getting older so it’s not quite so much as it used to be, but my, when Coda says “let’s go,” she means it!
Layne Bruner says
4+ times a week?!? You got this! ?
Tandy Elisala says
I love your blog, Jennifer. These are great tips. I think visiting the gym and becoming comfortable with the layout and such is really important to integrating into the gym culture. Same with college kids going to orientation:-)
Jennifer Quisenberry says
Thanks Tandy! Great analogy! And I think Layne hit the nail on the head with this one!
Layne Bruner says
Tandy, what a great comparison to college kids and orientation. Thanks for taking time to read the blog.
Trisha Walker says
Writing down goals is so so so important. Thank you for the reminder I can do this!
Robin says
Guilty! Started the year great . . . but life got in the way. Move family, major hail storm, etc. Finally digging out, and your article came along at just the right time
Alene Geed says
Love this kick in the rear to get me started again. I just found the opportunity to hike with some neighbors. Will make that a priority
Jennifer Quisenberry says
Awesome! Go get it, Alene!
Margy says
Yes .. Time to get healthy ..
Jennifer Quisenberry says
It’s never too late! Thanks for dropping by!
Carol Rundle says
This is a great post with some solid ideas. I’m sharing this with my tribe. 🙂
Jennifer Quisenberry says
Thanks Carol! I’m so glad you stopped by and found it valuable!