Disclaimer: To develop an exercise program that best suits your needs, please consult with your physician. It is important to talk with your doctor before beginning any exercise program.
You’ve assessed your goals for weight and health, and you’re ready to develop an exercise plan that can help you stick to them. Making healthy, permanent lifestyle changes can be hard, so what can you do to help you get there?
Joining a gym, and committing to gym workouts on a regular and consistent basis, can be an excellent way to stay on top of your exercise goals! However, if you’re new to fitness or you’re just beginning a workout routine, the idea of going to the gym can be intimidating. Common feelings about working out in public include:
- “I’ll just do at home what I can do in the gym, such as sit-ups or crunches.”
- “People there will judge me because of my weight.”
- “Everyone at the gym is so fit, and I’ll stand out.”
Although the gym can be a scary place for some, its benefits to your journey with weight and health may outweigh any concerns. Let’s take a look at what the gym can do to help you reach your goals!
Why is the Gym an Excellent Place to Exercise?
More than just a location with fancy equipment and fitness technology, gyms host a variety of benefits that are perfectly tailored to navigating the journey with weight and health:
- Staff members are there to assist you with valuable resources and information.
- Different equipment can help you target specific goals.
- You’re surrounded by like-minded people who are trying to optimize their health.
- It’s a great place to relieve stress.
- Most gyms offer more than just equipment. They also host fitness classes and recreational activities that can help you learn new things and vary your exercise routine.
Pick the Kind that is Right for YOU!
Not all fitness centers are the same. Some may focus on specific types of activities such as yoga or dance, while others may be specifically for aerobic exercises and resistance training. Still, others might host a mixture of these and even include recreational activities such as swimming, rock climbing or tennis.
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all of these options, consider your priorities. What do your goals look like? If you’re trying to get your body used to more physical activity, you may want to try a group fitness class or an individual training session with a personal coach. If those options aren’t for you, you may simply want to begin by starting off on basic exercise equipment and working your way up.
Create Your Plan and GO!
Now that you’ve made the decision to invest in your health by attending a gym or fitness center, how do you get started? Here a few simple tips:
- Develop a Schedule and Set a Time – By setting “appointments” with yourself and creating the space and time to devote solely to exercise, you’re more likely to stay on track and consistent with physical activity.
- Remember to Warm Up – Warm ups, including stretching and light exercise, are important for preparing your body for a workout.
- Assess Your Goals – Are you trying to build muscle? Look at strength training. Are you trying to improve your cardio fitness? Look to aerobic equipment. For tips on how to create S.M.A.R.T. goals, please CLICK HERE.
No matter how you feel initially about attending the gym, remember that they are first and foremost a place for people to get healthier. Fitness comes in all shapes and sizes, so be proud of your decision to be the best version of yourself that you can possibly be!
