I used to be a bit of a gym junky. With a personal trainer in tow, I was lost if I didn’t go, even hitting the gym on Sundays.
It’s been a few years since I’ve been back to the gym for several reasons, which is why I’ve decided to share with you the ten things I learned about myself by going to the gym and why I won’t be returning.
1. Going to the gym can be addictive
Whether it’s the release of endorphins, adrenalin, weight loss, muscle gain or good-looking people, the gym can be addictive once you get over the hurdle of actually showing up.
It’s a fine line.
Sure, it’s great to exercise every day in an environment that motivates you, but everyone needs rest and time to recoup. And as someone with an addictive personality and body image issues, it was incredibly easy to become addicted to the gym. It didn’t take long for the anxiety to set in if I missed a day here and there. These feelings quickly developed into ‘fat feelings’ if I missed a day or didn’t go to the gym every day of the week… even on a Sunday.
I knew this wasn’t healthy for me and that it had to end before I ended up exhausted and injured. I remind myself of this every time the thought of joining a gym again pops into my mind!
2. Learn to listen to your body – not your personal trainer
Everyone’s body is different. Therefore, every workout affects every body differently.
I haven’t been to the gym for years, ever since I damaged my wrist. My left wrist will never be the same again after overworking it and ‘pushing through the pain‘ because my personal trainer told me to. If something doesn’t feel right, then stop doing it. It may hurt for a reason (and not a good reason).
Just because something works for one person doesn’t necessarily mean it will work for you! I urge you to listen to your body. After all, you know how you feel; no one else does.
3. Gyms should be for all types of people but are they really
I love to think of gyms as welcoming places for all types of people. However, I just don’t feel like many of them are! I feel intimidated when I go to the gym, surrounded by people with perfect makeup and hair, who are hardly breaking a sweat in their trendy clothes, with their great form and perfect breathing.
I don’t know how people do it.
I’m the least glamorous person when I work out. I breathe like I’m going to have an asthma attack at any minute, sweat drips off me in buckets the minute I look at a treadmill, and I walk around the gym like the clutz I am.
4. Shop around
Those helpful, friendly ‘gym people’ are master sales practitioners.
Before signing your life away to a gym membership you may or may not get value from, make sure you shop around and take advantage of free trial periods before locking yourself into a contract. After all, you want to find a place flexible to your schedule and budget, where you feel comfortable, where the facilities and classes are good, and where the staff and people are friendly. Oh, and I’m positive you can find a gym where you don’t have to lock yourself into a ridiculous contract you will have to talk yourself out of.
5. Allow your body – and mind – time to recover
The most important thing I learned at the gym was to listen to my body.
You know your body the best, and your muscles and body need time to rest and recoup between sessions (yes, they do!). It’s really important to allow yourself downtime, or at least decrease your workouts’ intensity every second day.
Do yourself a favour and mix it up.
Focus on different areas of your body throughout the week. Take a yoga class. Relax in the sauna. Treat yourself to a massage. Or go for a walk outside in the fresh air!
6. Good shoes are a must!
If you spend money on anything, make sure you invest in a good pair of shoes for your workout. Make that two good pairs of shoes: one for cardio (like running and walking), and another for weight training and other exercises.
7. Enjoy the quiet periods
Gyms are best experienced in the quiet periods, say during the day or on Sundays, where you have the pick of the equipment and the room to breathe. Of course, I am an introvert, and I find those quiet periods at the gym so much less intimidating with fewer people around. I’m also less paranoid when I see myself in the mirror…
8. Work out gear
I once had a light grey pair of workout pants.
The problem is that I sweat a lot when I work out…there’s nothing worse than catching a glimpse of yourself in the mirror where it looks like you have wet yourself… *cringe*
To prevent embarrassment, especially when your hunky trainer is spotting you, get some appropriately coloured workout gear – preferably bottoms in black. Oh, and make sure they aren’t see-through – that’s not a good look for anyone, even if you’ve got a rock-hard ass!
9. Are you having FUN?
The gym is not for everyone, and that’s TOTALLY okay!
I tell you, if you aren’t enjoying yourself at the gym, do something else. Exercise should be fun! It certainly doesn’t have to be torture.
I fully support finding something that is enjoyable. Roller skating, pole dancing, kickboxing, rock climbing, belly dancing, shopping. (Yes, I said shopping. I know my heart races and break out in a sweat when I shop).
10. Call a friend
I used to love going to the gym alone in quiet periods. It was my chance to get out of the house and just tune out. But at other times, I felt lonely, out-of-place (or uncool…) or lacked motivation. During these times, it helped drag my partner along with me. I could then rely on him to drive me home afterwards when muscle fatigue kicked in, and I couldn’t walk!
End note
Remember to look after both your body AND your mind because that will ensure you will be nurturing your overall well-being for long-term gain rather than pain.
