“I love feeling like a jackass when I workout out!” says no one ever. Anyone that has ever stepped in the gym for the first time has experienced that moment of insecurity and panic of not knowing what to do and looking dumb doing it.
Me personally, I started my journey by making the decision to buy gym equipment Ireland. I bought my own home gym set, and started conquering the weights at home before I embarked on my journey to conquering a gym full of huge people. For me personally, this was the best way for me to get over my nerves of attending the gym regularly. Not everyone likes going to the gym, so they do prefer the idea of being able to workout in the comfort of their own home. If you’ve tried going to the gym, but are not having any luck, why not look into something like fitness product reviews at productexpert.in, to find the best products that you can purchase, in order to start building your home gym. Doing this doesn’t mean you have failed at conquering the gym. It is just another route into the world of fitness and that’s perfectly fine.
Don’t fret kids; here are 10 ways to conquer the gym.
10 Ways to Conquer the Gym
Paint Your Big Picture
Do you want to fit into your “skinny jeans” or just feel confident in a bikini? Whatever your goal is, write it down and remind yourself about it on a daily basis. Your goal will be one of your biggest assets in conquering any fears you have over the gym.
Make a Plan and Act on It
Create a workout plan that can challenge you but is feasible to fit in your busy life. Most people have a tendency to spread themselves too thin and end up discouraged because they discover they aren’t Wonder Woman. So come up with something that you feel comfortable with and get to work!
Dress Like a Badass
You know that rock star feeling you get when you wear a brand new outfit on a Friday night out with your girlfriends? Your gym wardrobe should make you feel the same way. There is no need to feel frumpy and uncomfortable walking in the gym wearing black yoga pants and a t-shirt that looks like it belongs to your dad. Spice things up with bright colors and crazy patterns. You could even visit the truth gym gallery shop to find some breathable t-shirts too. When you feel like a badass in your gym clothes you will act as one in the gym.
Work Towards One Small Goal
Reminding yourself why you started in the first place has its moments of motivation, but it can also feel overwhelming when your patience suddenly runs thin. When you step in the gym each week, come up with a small goal to achieve. Use the scary machine in the Big Girl section, stay on the Stairmaster five minutes longer or take that Zumba class you’ve been eyeing. Whatever it is that you’ve been afraid to try, make it your mission to scratch it off the list before the week is over.
Find a Gym Partner and Have a Back-Up Plan
Works out buddies are a great thing to have but what happens when your buddy is not in the mood? Are you going to sit on your booty and be influenced by their actions? I don’t think so, girlfriend! Create a plan B. If you are still uncomfortable working out alone, try a group class, or maybe it is time to make going to the gym alone that one small goal you conquer.
You Don’t Need to Have a lot of Money to Get Fit
There is no reason to feel helpless and lost in the gym if you can’t afford to pay someone to teach you. Trainers are great but they are a luxury for most. Take action into your hands and use the Internet to create your plan. Bodybuilding.com is a great resource for information on nutrition and fitness programs already designed for you to follow.
Ask for Help
Although the gym may look intimidating, you will be surprised how many people are willing to help. If you aren’t sure how to use a machine, ask the person next to you. Despite what you may think, nobody is judging. In fact, there is an unspoken “kudos” amongst everyone who made the conscious decision to drag their ass to the gym. Not only are you saving time and frustration by asking for help but you may just make a friend. Gym buddy? Cha-ching!
Give Yourself Some Credit
You created a plan, killed it in the gym, and even posted sweaty Instagram selfies announcing to the world that you are on a mission to get fit. Then a week goes by and the only exercise you did consisted of getting off the couch to stick your face in the fridge. Been there, done that and collected all the t-shirts. You aren’t a failure, you didn’t waste all your progress and there is no need to adopt a defeat-ist attitude. Let it go! Lucky for you there are 365 days in a year which means you have that many times to keep fighting forward. The only time you are a failure is when you decide to quit. And you aren’t a quitter, are you?
Measure Your Progress in Strength, Not Numbers
I am firm believer that the scale and other body measuring devices are toys made by the devil himself. He created these terrible objects to watch humans find ways to destroy their self-worth. It’s an evil game for him called “Who can I make feel like shit today?”. Your progress is not determined by measurements but by how much stronger you have become mentally and physically. Reflect back on where your physical strength was when you started or how many times you picked the gym over the couch. That is the real progress!
Believe in Your Potential
You may not be anywhere near your goal, but if you believe that not being able to see the finish line means you are unworthy, then you will stay right where you are. You will not drop inches overnight and your ass won’t perk up fast enough. But if you can find it in yourself to trust the process and believe that you are worth your goals, then you will be the Queen of the Iron Castle before you know it!
Don’t let something silly like feeling like a jackass stop you from getting your fit on. Now you have 10 ways to help you feel like a diva in your big girl sports bra and conquer the fitness world. Stay patient, believe in the process and don’t let one bad day stop you from getting to your goal. It’s time to get that ass to the grass and sweat like you mean it!
How do you conquer your fears of going to the gym? Share with us! *This article was first published in the January 2014 issue of Indie Chick Magazine.*Image Credit: Shutterstock
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