11+ Great Ways to Getting Back to The Gym
Have you put on the Covid-19 pounds, “2020”- 20 pounds in 20 days? Missing the gym but don’t know how to get back to working out in the gym?
You know you want to start working back in the gym but you are scared and let’s be honest, out of shape now.
But, it can be hard to get back into the habit of working out. When we’re out of the habit, we make excuses not to go. We feel intimidated and nervous, and we worry about how we will look and feel. If you have had a break from your gym, whether because it’s been closed due to COVID-19, or for another reason, here are some tips to help you to get back into the swing of things.
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What are the Benefits of Working Out?
There are countless benefits to regularly working out in a gym:
- You are more likely to push yourself and stick to your regimes if you workout in a communal space.
- The social aspects can improve your mood and mental health.
- At the gym, there’s always someone around if you need help or advice, and the machines are safe.
- Gyms also offer you a wide range of ways to exercise and remove excuses like bad weather, which might stop you from running outdoors.
- Many people that go to the gym find that they enjoy it and that they get better results than they would without it.
Why is Working Out Important?
You might be pretty familiar with the obvious reason why working out is super essential, but here are a few reasons just as a reminder:
- Helps you fight depression due to Oxytocin that is released when working out.
- Helps manage weight whether for weight loss, healthy weight gain, and weight management.
- Working out can help with brain muscles and memory.
- You can relax better after working out
- And more.
11+ Great Ways to Getting Back to The Gym
Here are 11+ tips to help you get back to the gym:
1) Get New Gym Gear that You Love and Can’t wait to use.
Sometimes just getting a new gym outfit can motivate us more to go to the gym. You ever purchase an outfit online and literally as soon as you order, you hawk down the tracking and mailman waiting for your new clothes! Lol no? it’s just me, okay. The excitement is fulfilling and so strong that you start planning where you going to wear the outfit and how you going to wear your hair. You can get the same motivation and drive when ordering gym clothes online.
2) Go to a gym that is practicing social distancing and mask requirements.
Currently, Planet Fitness is your best option when it comes down to a gym practicing social distancing and mask requirements. They are closing every other machine, to ensure there is 6 feet distance between you and others working out. They are also starting to require masks the whole time even when working out.
3) Start Small
Don’t push yourself too hard, but think about a workout you can do easily at the gym. I usually go on the treadmill for 15 minutes to get myself warmed up and then start my workout. Walking before starting your workout, could help you be more motivated to push through with going to the gym.
4) Thinking About Your Reasons Why You Need to Work Out
Sometimes a reminder of our goals and or reasons why can help us get motivated and encouraged to work out. Are you going to the gym to work out because you are motivated by others? Are you going because this 2020 (COVID version) pounds addition is just not cutting it for you? Or are you going because you have seen that you have more energy and drive to make it throughout your day after working out at the gym each morning? Whatever is your reasons, just constantly remind yourself when it’s time to go to the gym. 
5) Surround your Space with Fitness Motivation
When I get really serious about working out and losing weight, I go on Instagram and Youtube and follow as many fitness coaches and trainers, so I have no choice but to be constantly reminded when I log in to social media that I need to work out. Plus, I am motivated to see others working out.
6) Sleep is Vital
Get a good night’s sleep before working out the next day, this will motivate you more in the mornings to go to the gym because of your energy levels. If you really want to experience quality sleep, tell yourself before bed that you will wake up full of energy and will get enough sleep to conquer your day. Watch how you feel in the morning the next day when you wake up.
7) Come up with a Schedule
Come up with a workout schedule, so you don’t go to the gym without a plan as well as time to workout. You’ll always get more from a gym session if you go in with a plan, instead of milling around between machines with no idea what to do. Speak to a trainer, or spend some time thinking about the results that you want to achieve, and the exercises that you need to do to achieve them.
8) Stretch beforehand
I find, stretching and grounding myself before going to the gym, to come more easily and actually exciting. Grab a yoga mat and turn on youtube. Search “Guided meditation” and click the one that interests you the most. Meditating will have you in the right mindset and just overall ready to take on everything and anything thrown your way!
9) Get comfortable
Exercise should push your body, and it’s perfectly normal to ache. But, dressing well can ease these aches, and make the process more comfortable. Invest in leggings from Curves N Combatboots that fit you well, and wick sweat, a good sports bra, and supportive shoes at least.
10) Stay Hydrated
Good hydration will make exercise easier and more enjoyable, as well as helping your body to recover afterward. If you are out of practice, you might find constantly sipping water as you work out strange, but focus on small regular sips, and you’ll soon get used to it. Then try to keep drinking more for the rest of the day.
11) Take a Friend
If you find the idea of the gym intimidating, you certainly aren’t alone. When you picture a gym floor, you might imagine muscular men and super sporty women. You might worry that you won’t fit in, that you will look silly, or that you won’t be able to do what other people can. Most community gyms aren’t like this. They are safe spaces, filled with people of all ages, abilities, shapes, and sizes, and welcoming for everyone. But, if you are worried, you may find it easier to take a friend.
12) Consider Entertainment
Even if you take a friend, it’s hard to talk while you are pushing yourself hard. But, it’s also hard to stay engaged while running if you are just staring at yourself in the mirror. Consider downloading some of your favorite TV shows, or some podcasts to your phone to keep you occupied, and don’t forget your headphones.
The Last Thing You Need to Know About Getting Back to The Gym
Getting back in the gym and working out after months of not working out, can be hard! But, you got this! I have taken on the challenge myself and have also got back into the swing of going to the gym. I currently go to Planet Fitness where they are tasking all the precautions need to ensure social distancing as well as enforcing a mask policy even when working out.
Remember, going to the gym should be something that you enjoy. It shouldn’t be something that causes you stress or anxiety. If it does, perhaps consider other ways to work out, such as home videos, or running.
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