Joining the gym is on many people’s New Year’s resolution list, but sometimes life gets in the way or it feels like a chore. I had never been to the gym before, but last year I stuck it on my own list.
As someone who works from home, I wanted to improve my fitness levels and have a reason to get out of the house on bleak January evenings. This time of year seems to make everything feel harder and you need to really push for some motivation, so I thought if I could get through January I would create a new habit. And, I was right.
I managed to stick to my New Year’s resolution throughout the entire year, and have to say I am a gym convert. I didn’t think I would like it, but I have felt so many benefits both physically and mentally.
Now, I would recommend to anyone to stick it on their own resolution lists but that’s not to say it has always been easy. I certainly made mistakes along the way and discovered five key pieces of advice I wish I had known.
Being scared
Initially, I kept putting off signing up to the gym. Like with trying anything new, I just didn’t know what to expect. But I took that leap of faith and signed up to my local Gym Group.
I have to say, I was nervous as I headed there for the first time but there really was nothing to worry about. I had thought people would be able to tell I was new and had no idea what I was doing.
But in reality, everyone there is just focusing on their own workout. When you are new to a gym, you’ll likely be able to sign up for an induction session. This is the perfect chance to get a tour of your gym, understand what the equipment is and ask any questions.
Sticking to cardio
During my first few weeks as a gym member, I really only stuck to the cardio machines. I did them all – the treadmill, elliptical, bikes, rowing machine and stair climber.
Getting moving felt good, but I was still avoiding even trying the weights or weight machines. This was because I thought they just looked too complicated!
But one day, I decided to venture over to the weight machines and quickly discovered they were not so tricky at all. They each had instructions and I quickly built up the confidence to try more and more.
I built up a much better routine that incorportated both cardio and weights, meaning I had a much more balanced workout session.
Wanting quick results
Of course when we put hard work into something, we want to see the benefits of our labour. However, you need to be prepared that physical results take time and may take longer than you think.
For me, my mental health benefitted first. I actually enjoyed working out and the feeling of completing a session. My mood and energy improved while I felt my body getting stronger and fitness levels improving.
Gradually, you will start to notice the physical changes. But remember, this is an ongoing process and depending on what you want your results to be, this will be different for everybody.
Not asking for help
When you’re new to anything, you don’t have all the answers. Don’t be scared to ask for help. There will be gym staff on hand, but you can always ask your fellow gym goers. Some of the best tips I have discovered are from chatting to the people next to me.
Going too much
Back in January, I was so surprised I actually liked the gym that I went almost every single day. I hadn’t yet built myself a routine and thought the more I went, the faster my results would come.
However, all good things take time and sometimes you can simply do too much. Your body does need rest days to recover. If you go too much, you will get bored and it will start to feel like a chore. For me, that’s when my resolutions start to break so remember to go easy on yourself.
