One Month Challenge: Gymvember, Week One

November 6, 2010     Posted in Body, Reality

[Everyone’s got a vice, a bad habit, something they know they need to change. Unfortunately, everyone also has a million excuses why they just can’t do it. Not anymore. Every month we will be following a different CollegeCandy writer as she takes on a personal challenge. Last month Emmy dabbled in vegetarianism. This month, Melanie is putting her health first and going to the gym....every day....without excuses. How did her first 6 days go?]


By Melanie

How often do I go to the gym lately? I guess I would use the word “sparingly.” Since starting a full-time job, my fitness has taken a backseat to schoolwork, regular work and all the lovely stresses of living in New York City. Never mind the fact that I live in an apartment building with a gym. I’ve tried to justify my lack of rigorous exercise by walking to and from work every day (30 minutes both ways) but in reality, the only reason I do that is because I have a crippling fear of the subway and all public transportation.

Let’s face it, the only marathon I’ve ever participated in only happens when I’m too lazy to turn off E! and I get suckered into 5 hours of the Kardashians. It was time to make a change and get my ass back into shape and take full advantage of the fitness room in my building. So I’ve begun my month challenge, which I’ve endearingly nicknamed “Gymvember.” I’m not skipping a single day of exercise at the gym and have vowed to go for a minimum of 25 minutes a day. This minimum will ideally be exceeded. And no, Bravo marathons and walking around the city don’t count as exercise.

This is going to hurt.

My first week started out shaky. November 1st was the day after a brutally exhausting Halloween and I was whining all the way to the gym that day. Not to mention, when I came back I was convinced that I’m completely void of so-called “endorphins.” The gym does not make me a happy camper. But as the week progressed, so did my intensity in the gym. I’ve started pushing myself and becoming inspired by my neighbors/fellow gym-goers. My favorite thing is the exercise bike so I usually save that for last after twenty minutes of the elliptical. The other day I even brought myself to do my least favorite thing: running. I’ve never been any good at running. I could be on the elliptical forever, but the second you tell me to run I get flashbacks of running the mile in 6th grade. It’s not pretty. But I did it! And it felt… good?

The worst part is probably the first twenty minutes. Once I hit the twenty minute mark, I feel invincible and like I can go forever. However, getting to that first twenty minutes is rough and I keep thinking, “Okay just 7 more minutes…. just 5 minutes and 23 seconds…. just 4 minutes and 3 seconds…” just to get through that first twenty.

The only concerns I’ve been having so far are as follows:

  1. Am I going to get bored with the same workouts? How can I shake things up?
  2. What songs can I listen to that get me excited and my heart rate up?
  3. When can I treat myself to some cute Lululemon workout clothes?
  4. Why am I so much hungrier now than ever?
  5. How can I motivate myself to wake up early and go to the gym? So far, I’ve been going at night or in the afternoon.

So far, so good. Not a day missed and all days have been over 25 minutes, even pushing myself to do a couple two-a-days when I have the time! Any suggestions, CollegeCandy readers? I need all the help I can get right now! Not to mention, I’m so ready to do work on those weight machines, but I’m afraid of getting “bulky.” What exercises, routines, DVDs or playlists get you going?

[Check out the other One Month Challenges we've taken on! And if you've got a challenge you want to tackle, email us and we could feature you next month!]

23 Comments on "One Month Challenge: Gymvember, Week One"

  1. Jess says:
    Sat, 6th Nov 201011:59 am 

    http://www.youtube.com/user/blogilates

    These videos are AWESOME. Definitely worth checking out.

  2. Ashley says:
    Sat, 6th Nov 20102:05 pm 

    I've been going to the gym for over 2 years now and try to get an average of four workouts a week (each workout is about 1 and a half hours).

    1. Cardio can quickly become boring so just change it up slightly. Perhaps try doing intervals or taking breaks from cardio to do ab exercises or weights. I usually do 25 minutes of the eliptical then do ab exercises for about 15mins before 15mins of running.

    2. Any of your favorite songs with a fast beat will do…I'm not usually a fan of pop music but my workout playlist is full of pop!

    3. As soon as you like! I became more motivated to go to the gym after I traded my old sweats for some cute new gym gear.

    4. You're burning more so you'll need to eat more. Make sure you eat decent meals (never skip meals!) and try to eat healthy snacks (fruit, vegies, nuts etc) if you get hungry between meals.

    5. Get a good sleep and you should be fine. It's a lot harder to get up early during the colder months though…I usually just stick to afternoon workouts in winter.

    Good Luck!

  3. Banna says:
    Sat, 6th Nov 20102:31 pm 

    I think I'll take up this challenge too. I'm excited to see what challenging myself will bring out in me. Thanks!

  4. Vicki says:
    Sat, 6th Nov 20103:41 pm 

    Don't be afraid of using the weight machines because you think you might get too "bulky". If you limit yourself to just cardio/abs, then you are going to get bored really quickly. The only way you would bulk up is if you keep pressing yourself to lift heavier weights and with more repetitions. Also, it would take much longer than a month for that to happen. It is possible for women to build muscle without getting bulkier, just take it slow and get used to using the machines. Start with many one or two different machines twice a week, and work from there. It never hurt anyone to build a little muscle, and it's sure to impress some guys!

  5. Charlotte says:
    Sat, 6th Nov 20106:39 pm 

    I'm really looking forward to this.

    I never, ever went to the gym until I came on my year abroad and the gym is free and visible from my apartment.

    I now go 5 times a week.

    If someoneone had told me 3 months ago I'd be going to the gym 5 times a week I would've laughed in their face.

    One thing I would really advise is if you have an iPhone or an iTouch is the Couch to 5K app.

    I always used to say "I only run if I'm being chased" and at the start evening running for a minute was hard.

    After 8 weeks I'm still on week 4 but I can run for 5 minutes now, which while not an amazingly long time, it's a big deal for me.

    I also created a gym playlist of any songs with a good strong beat. I find the speed of the beat in a song really heavily influences my running ability!!

    I would advise always eat before morning workouts, and as soon as you can buy your cute gym clothes!! I didn't even buy running shoes for a few weeks incase I didn't stick at it, but I did and now I love my gym clothes!!

    Good luck!!

    Charlotte

    girlnextdoorfashion.net

  6. ChelseyKelsey says:
    Sat, 6th Nov 20106:47 pm 

    I know it's getting cold, but I would recommend running outside! The worst part about the treadmill for me is that clocking, clicking in your face reminding you how far you have to go. I prefer to just go outside and run!

  7. Brie says:
    Sat, 6th Nov 201010:42 pm 

    Group exercise classes are a god-send. If your college offers them, hit em up! Usually you can drop in for a few dollars so you can try a bunch out and decide what you like. I actually teach spin classes at a college near NEU; if running isn’t for you, spin is def a fun way to get your cardio in.

  8. Paige says:
    Sat, 6th Nov 201011:57 pm 

    Boredom: make a playlist where you have to switch your activity at certain songs, try rotating eliptical/running/bike every 5 mins, add tennis, swimming, aerobics once or twice a week so you have something to look forward to on the boring days

    Hunger: could this be disguised as thirst? make sure you are you drinking enough water!

    Morning gym time: sleep in your work out clothes so you are ready the second you wake up and have no excuses.

  9. A Dude says:
    Sun, 7th Nov 20107:02 am 

    I know its a completely different perspective coming from a guy who goes to the gym religiously, but just listen.

    1. You're going to get bored. That's what happens when you get into a routine. Try alternating between weights one day and cardio the next. For cardio, if you want to slim down do sprint intervals. They suck but they really work. And even though the challenge is only for a month, if you keep going after its over (which you should, its good for you) completely change your workout plan every four weeks. For some ideas, there are workouts online or you can ask other people at the gym what they are doing (most people will gladly help).

    2. Listen to the music that takes you to another place. For me its mainly The Black Keys and an extremely random assortment of songs. As long as it gets you into "The Zone" its good.

    3. No idea, I'm a guy.

    4. You are burning more calories, you need more fuel.

    5. It doesn't really matter when you workout as long as you do. Obviously if you are not a morning person do not workout in the morning. You are just going to hate it and your performance will reflect your feelings.

    Good luck with the challenge.

  10. Kat says:
    Sun, 7th Nov 201010:04 am 

    So, this is totally random, i go to NU too! :D

    I might do this challenge too. I need to work out more. I have been at least 3 times at week most weeks, but things get put off and so on, but I want to get myself in shape too.

  11. Katie says:
    Sun, 7th Nov 201010:00 pm 

    I'm totally taking you up on this gymvember. I've "let myself go" a bit. But decided I'm going to attempt to go to the gym about 3 to 4 days a week.

    I do have to recommend this guy on youtube. His name is Scott Herman and most of you chicas will remember him from Real World Brooklyn. http://www.youtube.com/scotthermanfitness
    He has a ton of educational videos and beginner workouts. He also tackles eating habits and how much water and supplements you should have. I'd give it a look, he could answer a lot of question.

    If you work out in the morning work out as soon as possible and if you eat something make it a carb and a protein and very little of it. Don't worry you'll burn it off and then after the work out you can tackle a great breakfast.

    I've read that between 4 and 8 o clock is actually the best time to work out because of something with your body. I'll look it up to explain better.

    Good Luck!

  12. Michelle says:
    Mon, 8th Nov 201012:23 pm 

    You've inspired me to go back to working out, yet I'll work out 3 days a week not 7. =/ College and extra-curricular stuff take so much out of me..it'll be too difficult to do every single day.

  13. Camila says:
    Mon, 8th Nov 201012:59 pm 

    To avoid getting bulky, you should do more reps with less weight, instead of just a few reps with a ton of weight. I'm not sure how that is, but the guy that runs my gym told me so and I listened, and after 5 months of very committed gym attendance, no bulky-ness, only firmer muscles =).

    My nutrionist also told me it's best to work out in the morning because it speeds up your metabolism. That's probably why you're so much hungrier- you're going through the nutrients in your food faster. Also, I don't know about you but hey- if waking up at 6 instead of 7 means I can have an ice cream after lunch or a super hot chocolate brownie, 'cause I'll burn it off faster, or that I can fit into those gorgeous jeans I bought a few months ago, I'll wake up at 5:30! Seriously though, your workout will be more effective and allow you to indulge in a few more delicious snacks if you do it in the morning.

  14. Anne says:
    Mon, 8th Nov 20101:12 pm 

    I think it is great to be doing this, and I am not trying to be a downer, but isn't 25min a day (about 3 hours a week) pretty much what is recommended by doctors just to keep you healthy? To be in really good shape you are going to have to do more than that.

    Personally, I think working out with a friend, perhaps one that is in a bit better shape than you, to be best, that way you dont succumb to the "ok, that seems like enough" bug (trust me, I have been there!). My temptation is always to stop once I am a little uncomfortable, but you really have to feel the burn to make progress.

    I would def. recommend doing abs and weights, especially with a medicine ball, there are tons of different things you can do, and do in rotations so you don't get bored, I hope this helps!

  15. Megan says:
    Mon, 8th Nov 20101:24 pm 

    Don't worry about getting bulky. Listen to the guys when they say "If you wanna be big, you gotta eat big." Unless you're taking in a ton of calories (and I mean way more than the 2,500 that's recommended for women), you're not gonna get big.

    As for getting bored, I'd recommend trying different forms of cardio besides running. I like jump roping, hula hooping, spinning, biking, rollerblading, and jump squats. I do a few variations on each of those.

  16. @poorccgirl says:
    Sun, 14th Nov 20104:17 pm 

    my workout playlist consists of mostly the same pop-py, techno mainstream hits played @ nightclubs…
    but in all honesty these songs are popular for a reason – they may not be lyrically complex, but they make you want to move!

    cooler than me – mike posner
    only girl – rihanna
    dynamite – taio cruz
    dj got us fallin in love – usher
    teenage dream – katy perry
    take it off – kesha
    don't trust me – 3oh!3
    miami b*tch – lmfao
    satisfaction – benny benassi
    list of demands – saul williams

  17. Allison says:
    Mon, 15th Nov 20108:40 am 

    I get bored listening to music so I've been listening to talking books, especially ones with plenty of action!

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