I talk to a lot of people that say they just don’t like the gym. They would rather go for a walk or run outside, or do DVDs or lift weights at home. After some prodding, they usually admit its because they are intimidated by the gym: they feel like everyone is in better shape than they are, they don’t know how to use the equipment and think everyone is watching them.
The sad part about this is that its easier to quit at home, too. No one notices if you only walk around the block, no one notices if you check your email during your exercise DVD, and no one notices if you only do a few bicep curls and then quit.
If this sounds like you, you NEED a gym. Here’s how trading in your home workout for a gym can boost your workout:
Social environment. Working out with people with the same goals and drive is going to motivate you to work out harder and for longer. You aren’t going to quit when you have others encouraging you to continue and having fun.
Expert advice. Personal trainers are always right there to check your form and make suggestions. No more hoping that you are performing an exercise right, or worse yet, doing an exercise incorrectly over and over again resulting in no results or an injury. Even a few sessions with a trainer can do wonders- you will be set up with the perfect workout plan tailor made just for you.
Nutrition education. You can speak with professionals about how to develop a healthy and effective workout meal plan, or just get some healthy nutrition tips to get the most out of your workouts.
Variety of equipment. No matter how much money you spend, a gym is always going to have more equipment, giving you more varied workouts to get you better results and to keep you from getting bored.
You can exercise year round. You can’t get rained or snowed out of the gym. Its always nice and dry inside of a gym so weather is never an excuse to skip a workout.
Self-acceptance. There is no shame in not being the fittest person in the gym. Remind yourself that even though everyone is at a different place on their weight loss or fitness plan, everyone is there for the same reason. Everyone has to work out, and watching and learning from the fittest people can be very motivating. They have to sweat and work to get their fit bodies, and if you keep working, you will, too.
Fun. Remember the days of being a kid and naturally running, jumping and playing? When you think of taking a fitness class as fun and exciting, you can look forward to exercise instead of seeing it as one more chore.
Getting out of the house for your workout is the best way to get the best results- and to have the most fun. That’s what gyms are for: for everyone to be able to comfortably work out in the way they need to reach their goals. So take the plunge.
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