Gym Lessons from a Beginner

One of my favorite motivational fitness quotes says “It takes 4 weeks for you to see your body changing, it takes 8 weeks for your friends and family, it takes 12 weeks for the rest of the world, Keep going”

I love this because it reminds me that change takes time.  As I finish up week 3 and get ready for week 4 I’m still not seeing weight loss but I am starting to see more definition in my arms and legs, plus I’m waiting until the end of next week to do a real weigh in since I’m all bloaty this week.

Even though I’m still a gym novice and about 6 days away from the 21 day habit creation I thought I would share a few things I’ve learned during this process.

1.  Lay out your clothes the night before, if you’re super ambitious plan out your clothes for your entire workout week.  I’ve read this before and it’s one of the greatest tips.  I found spending too much time figuring out what to wear kills my motivation so I always have my clothes laid out.

2.  Following the subject of clothes I have to say wear what’s comfortable to you-I was seeing lots of women wearing spandex leggings while I was wearing sweat pants so I thought I should get some spandex leggings but when I wore them I didn’t feel comfortable.  I ended up finding a pair of yoga pants that were fitted but flared and more cotton than spandex.
I don’t really notice what someone is wearing unless I really like it or if it seems out of place (like the girl in plaid flannel pajama pants I guess if that’s all you got, you work it).

3.  Don’t be embarrassed or ashamed-I’m overweight so I do have that constant fear of being judged but I convinced myself that I’m in the gym working on not being overweight so if people want to judge me for my body type that’s their problem.  I still work on this one because I sometimes worry that someone’s judging me for spending only 10 minutes on the elliptical or switching machines but I realized everyone has their routine.  Honestly, from what I’ve seen the majority of people are more focused on their own routine than the people around them, everyone is there to work out.

4.  Don’t be afraid to push yourself but also listen to your body.  I remind myself that I don’t have to keep pace with anyone and I don’t have to run to work hard.  Do I want to jump on the treadmill and run for 30 minutes?  Yes.  Am I near that point yet?  No, so I go at my own pace, work hard, and leave with a sense of accomplishment.  I push myself but I try to keep it within reason so I don’t injure myself or burn out.  Every step is a step toward a goal.

5.  Set goals that work for you.  I’m not setting weight loss goals right now because I know missing a weight loss goal has the potential to devastate my progress, that’s just me.  Even though I want to lose weight I’m focusing on the get healthy aspect, create the routine, then maybe I’ll want to set weight loss goals.  Right now my goals revolve around improving my fitness levels.  Over the last few weeks I’ve worked from 5 minutes to 10 minutes on the elliptical next week I’m going to try 15 minutes (baby steps).

I definitely don’t have it all figured out and I’m learning everyday.  I certainly never thought I would be the person spouting motivational sayings or giving tips for working out but I am and I’m really enjoying it.  Joining the gym helped me to find my fitness groove and it might not be for everyone so I encourage everyone to try different activities, whether Zumba, walking, fitness videos, Yoga classes, etc, whatever works to get you moving.

My biggest lesson would be to just have fun, keep moving, and don’t look back 🙂