I've been working out for about 10 years now. I've managed to transform my body into one I am proud of, even if I'm not ready for a modeling job or the cover of Abs Weekly. Here are a few things I have learned over the years.
Do What You Like
Especially at First. You know what keeps me going to the gym? I like going to the gym. I really do. The people who give up, or go sporadically often don’t WANT to be there. Going to the gym is a chore for them and everyone hates doing chores. Nobody loves running errands. So pick workouts you like, especially at first. Later, when you’re in the groove you can pepper your workout with things you don’t really like as much.
The workout itself has to be something you like doing, or you will give up, guaranteed. They did a study between life long athletes and people who try and give up. The people who give up were focused on superficial things like “looking hot” or “getting into shape”. Their motivation was the results. The life long athletes weren't concerned about their appearance, they were motivated by a love for the workout itself. They love running. They love lifting weights. So much so that it’s part of their identity. Skipping the gym isn't like skipping school for us workout lovers, it’s like having the flu on your birthday. We don’t feel guilty, we feel denied.
Motivation Must Come From Within
At least most of it. I know everyone and their grandma recommends getting a workout buddy. In my experience that doesn't work, especially not on it’s own. People think if you have a workout buddy you’ll keep each other motivated and keep each other accountable. The reality is that you’ll give each other excuses. You don’t want to work out today? Oh good, me neither! There are a few guys at my gym who are obviously workout buddies. They’re in sporadically and I NEVER see any of them at the gym alone. I had several workout buddies in college, and whenever 1 of them didn't want to go to the gym, none of us went. Eventually we all stopped going because none of us were motivated on our own.
If you still feel like you need a workout buddy, look at that scenario as training wheels. Just a short term arrangement to help you get acclimated to the gym and to the workout. Do NOT choose workouts that require someone else to help you. Because at a certain point your buddy is going to get sick, be busy with work/school, and you’ll have to go it alone. A workout buddy can end up being a crutch. So, if you go that route, keep in mind that it can’t last forever.
No One Is Judging You
At least most of them aren't. Seriously. I know you think the other people in the gym are judging you but they’re really not. YES, every situation has at least one jerk, and gyms are no different. Everyone else is there to get their stuff done, so don’t think about them, think about you. They don’t matter. You probably barely enter their minds at all.
Everyone Started Somewhere
Nobody walked into the gym looking like that on day one. That huge muscle dude might have been fat, or really skinny, or just out of shape. She might've walked in the door with a flat booty. No matter what you look like, there is somebody at that gym who you think looks “amazing” that looked a lot like you at some point along the way.
Nobody’s Perfect
If they thought they were 100% perfect, they wouldn't be at the gym. Chances are that they’re jealous of someone else in that gym, maybe even you. There’s a guy at my gym who’s in great shape, very tiny tiny waist. One day, I saw him wearing shorts. This guy NEVER wears shorts. It’s always workout pants. Both legs have severe bows in them and are very very skinny. At that moment, I stopped being jealous of his tiny waist and realized he’s a person, just like me, and that he’s obviously wearing long pants because he doesn't like his bowed legs. I also realized that he might be jealous of my legs.
Final Thoughts
Two of the reasons I love the gym is because it’s one of the only parts of my day that belongs completely to me, and it’s the only time of day I get out of my head. It’s great to think about my body, focusing on muscle groups instead all the other things I worry about all the time. Sometimes, I’m stressed and it’s great to be able to channel that frustration, or anger, or hurt into something productive. Like I’m squeezing all that negativity right out of me, sweating it out.
It’s my time, nobody else owns that time, nobody else expects anything out of me. I turn off data on my phone so no emails or alerts can interrupt me. It’s meditative, some days it’s a cathartic stress buster, but I really do look forward to my workout every day. I work out on my birthday, I work out on Thanksgiving. I’m going to be in the gym Christmas Eve as well. I walk out of there every day refreshed, ready for whatever the world is going to throw at me. Even if I’m sore. Even on days where I wasn’t giving it my all. I still feel better after the gym, and I still enjoy it while I'm there. That's why I keep going back.
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