Hi guys
So a few weeks ago, I joined a gym. The reason for doing this, was that I’ve been feeling very down for the past couple of months ( for reasons that I would rather not share online.). Didn’t really know how to get myself out of the rut, I just didn’t feel okay with myself and somewhere along the way my confidence and self esteem had taken a hit. So ultimately, my goal is to not only become stronger and feel healthier, I also needed something to help mentally. Although i’m not too far in and still learning a lot, I wanted to share my journey with you guys anyway and maybe it’ll be useful to someone.
So, here’s what I’ve learned so far:
- No one is looking at you!!!! Yes it does feel so awkward and daunting stepping into a full gym for the first time, with it being full of massive body builders. However, honestly, they really could not care less about how you look or what excersizes your’e doing. They’re too busy counting their reps, trying to keep themselves on track. If you still feel intimidated, take some music and earphones with you to block everything out, to help you focus on yourself and get things done. It also helps to wear cute gym outfits that you feel confident in – just so you don’t feel as bad if someone does accidentally glance your way for a second.
- Bring your own padlock and key. Although gyms provide these, there could always be an off chance that you could come in at a busy time of day, and they’ve ran out. So if you’ve always got your own personal ones, you never have to worry about that.
- This leads on from the last point, but don’t bring any valuables to the gym. Obviously they cant have cameras in the changing rooms as people need privacy to change. That means that by law, they are not responsible for your locker potentially being broken into and items going missing ( they should have signs on the changing room door stating this, just so their backs are covered.) So, when storing things in the lockers I like to use the idea of only storing things that I wouldn’t care too much if they disappeared. Then keep just my phone on me in the actual gym. ( however if you like to swim, then maybe consider leaving your phone at home?)
- Make a plan…. don’t just wing it. Decide before you go in, what excersizes you want to do and roughly how many reps/length of time itll take. Maybe make a note in your phone if that helps. That way, it saves you wasting time and feeling awkward wandering around, not really knowing what do to – as you’ll have a plan set. However, if you’re new to the gym, don’t be too hard on yourself for taking slightly bigger gaps in between excersizes to find the next piece of equipment and feel the place out. You’ll get used to it soon enough, and the gaps will shorten.
- Adapt the plan to suit you. You may try a new excersize, and decide you don’t really enjoy it too much( for me, its running, ew.) . and that’s okay, swap it with something else. There’s no point forcing yourself to do what you don’t like, as it will just ruin the experience and make you dislike the gym. Also, don’t go crazy and all out with the machines if your’e a beginner.. adapt the excersize so you can cope better with it. Don’t be like me and go ott with bicep curls because you saw someone else do an amazing job with it.
- Stretch as well as warm up!! Trust me, you’ll be so sore and full of regret if you don’t.
- Finally, remember to have fun!! the gym is not supposed to be a chore, and shouldn’t feel that way unless you put yourself in that mindset. Just go in with a mindset that you’re going to do your best and have a good time, and that’s all that counts. Honestly, I personally get so happy and excited when I see the gym is basically empty and I have all the space and time to do my best at whatever the excersize may be. Also, once I get in the zone and am counting those reps I feel so good, all my problems are outside the gym doors and I only focus on what i’m doing in that moment. Its so therapeutic for me, and as well as feeling amazing afterwards – I get such a clear head from it.
Thats all for now guys. Do you go to the gym? If so, what are your tips?
~littleharto x
Emma's blog 