Looking like a Baluga doing the worm while crunching in your own home is completely fine. But when we step out in public with a buncha meat heads/Vicky’s Secret babe wannabes crowding us while we’re working out, sticking to a fitness routine gets a little daunting. Working out in your campus’ gym is especially hard because the space is full of peers whom you see all day, every day.
We can all totally lose weight without gym memberships, but quite honestly having a place to go with a huge amount of fancy equipment to use really does keep things interesting and allows you to switch up your routine. In the past few years I’ve had to adjust to on-campus rec centers and public health clubs, all with their fair amount of tools. I am not a fitness queen or expert, but I have collected a few valuable nuggets of wisdom to keep me less awkward and more comfy and confident at the gym.
If you’ve found yourself pledging to get in there more, or maybe even buying a membership and not going in (at all), maybe try some of these tips to keep your head up and get the job done. Sooner or later you’ll own the place!
Have a plan. Writing down your workout before heading in to the gym keeps you accountable but also gives you a direction with your workout. A workout is a workout, but ones that have specific goals will normally make you feel best. Try the app Fitness Point to help with your workouts and keep them tracked! That way your workouts are right at your fingertips.
Have a buddy. Sometimes working out with a buddy isn’t the best, but every once in a while and when you’re just starting out, it’s great. I love having a friend with me when I’m trying something new, especially if they’re a pro. If you don’t have many friends who are into fitness, look at programs like Tone It Up meet ups. They are awesome ways to make friends in your area with your interests.
Do your research. Doing new types of exercises is awesome but it’s really important to do them safely and correctly. I actually injured myself pretty badly by not doing this, so I make it a point to look new exercises up if I’m not familiar. With weightlifting I normally go on BodyBuilding.com, they have awesome videos with narration so you can’t miss a thing.
Bring your tunes, or at least your ‘phones. Working out with noise isn’t for everyone but for someone who is still finding their way in the fitness world sometimes tuning out into your own little world helps us focus. I make sure to bring my iPod or at least bring my headphones. A lot of gyms now have setups for you to plug your headphones into to watch TV while doing cardio. I watch the news in the morning (nerddd).
Pick a time, stick to it. You’ll come to learn that most of the kiddos around you on the treadmills at 5 a.m. are going to be there every day. Yea, there will be one or two randos too, but if you stick to a specific time to go to the gym you’ll become a part of the morning routine too, you’ll have a place and feel you belong just as much as every one else. Eventually you won’t care when you decide to roll in but going at the same time every day will definitely help you adjust the fastest.
I guarantee doing at least one of these things will get you and keep you in the gym throughout the year. Tell us below how you’ve overcome your fears of the gym. Check in with me next week to hear how I spice it up and force myself to take risks in the fitness world!
[Lead image via racorn/Shutterstock]
Gaining Confidence At The Gym Doesn't Have to Be So Hard!
