Friday, April 27, 2018

Lack of Guidance and Don't Know What To Do At The Gym

This is something that most people don't really think about when they decide to hit the fitness and better health trail.  It's usually - OK I'm going to get in better shape, joining the gym, problem solved. Then you walk into the gym for the first time and rather than "problem solved", it’s confusion and anxiety. There is a lot of activity, fitness and cardio equipment, all types of weights, classes and it looks like everyone knows what they are doing but you. You may be right, but you are not alone and many can't get past this road block. With that in mind, you can take the quick way out and quit or you can take a look at how to minimize this obstacle and reach your fitness goals.

It's all about the planning. Ask yourself these questions.  What do you want to do? What needs to happen to get you there?  What available options work best for you? After you answer those, you develop a road map that best supports your efforts, encourages accountability, and provides the needed flexibility to help adjust when needed to ensure your plan's longevity.

Let's say you have thought about the available options for your workouts and have decided that the gym provides the atmosphere and structure you need.  With that in mind, here are some key points you need to consider when putting together your plan:
  • Understand this is a learning process and it doesn't happen overnight. Turn your mistakes and misunderstandings into positive adjustments that will enable you to move forward.
  • Choose a gym that provides options and introductory guidance plans that will help you through the learning process.
  • Start slow and rely on cardio equipment and structured classes to get you on the right track.
  • Keep in mind that a successful exercise program should include the right balance between workouts, rest, and consistency. Consistency doesn't mean you need to be at the gym every day.   Consistency is how you maintain the right balance and maximize results. Here's what I recommend for my clients: 
    • Keep workout sessions to 45 Minutes working all muscle groups in a vertical circuit.
    • Always have at least one day of rest before your next workout.
    • Cardio works best between workout days at 20 minutes per session.
    • Mix it up by replacing a workout or cardio day with a yoga or Pilate's class.
Bottom line, there is a lot to know and understand to make sure your workouts are successful and the DIY method doesn't work for everyone and can be very discouraging.  If this is you, here are a couple of other suggestions:

1. Invest in a personal trainer:  Do your research.  Avoid the pre-packaged deals, and make sure the trainer you choose illustrates the proactive approach to invest in your needs and is competitively priced.  The going rate today is $60.00 for a 1 hour session.  In many cases, personal trainers have their own training sites and you wouldn't need to invest in a gym membership.

2. Invest in a remote personal training program: Again, do your research. For your reference, I have included a link to my site which includes an overview of my remote training program. Just click here and select services. You will find that my remote program is very interactive, sensitive to your needs and provides the needed support, benchmarks, and encouragement to ensure you get results.  Take a look, I think you will find it compelling and please message me from the site if you have any questions.

If you are one of the many that quit because you just didn't know what to do, I sincerely hope this gets you back in the game. Fitness for better health is a lifestyle with a real future.

Until next time, enjoy your workouts.















0 comments:

Post a Comment