5 Reasons To Join A Gym

The new year is right around the corner…yikes!

Funny side story: I was reading about top resolutions that people don’t actually accomplish, and one of mine from 2015 was on there (insert laughing/crying emoji). I wanted to “learn something new” in 2015 and said I’d learn guitar or piano or take a dance class. Yeah, needless to say I did none of those things BUT I want to try in 2016! I really would love to learn any of those things OR also learn how to play tennis – random I know.

Anyway, going back to new year’s resolutions…a common one is working out more or losing weight. Many people hit the gym for the first time in the new year. Or you might be nervous about joining a gym and aren’t sure if it’s right for you. Well I’m here to give you reasons why you should join a gym.

5 Reasons Why You Should Join a Gym in 2016!

Extra Motivation

This is my number one reason. First of all, I am way more motivated to work out and lift when I am physically at the gym. A lot of people like at-home workouts but I just can not motivated myself to do them. Even though I have dumbbells at home, if I’m at the gym I am way more likely to finish my entire workout than cut it short and just plop on the couch.

Also, you’re paying for a gym membership. That is good enough motivation in and of itself! Will you feel good knowing you’re paying for something monthly that you’re not using? The same premise applies to boutique studios and fitness classes if those are more your thing. Actually paying for classes will decrease the likelihood of you skipping your workout just because “you didn’t feel like it.”

Variety of Equipment

If you work out at home, you most likely will be limited with what equipment you have (unless you have built your own at-home gym, in which case I’m jealous). You can find all sorts of equipment at the gym, ranging from kettlebells, cable machines, pull-up bars, barbells, TRXs, and much, much more.

We all know switching up your routine regularly will help you avoid the dreaded plateau, and having all sorts of equipment to use in your workouts is the best way to continually change things up. If you’re not sure how to use something, do not fret! I’ll talk about that in my next reason which is…

Personal Trainers

Yes, personal trainers can be a bit pricey but you’re getting someone who will create a workout plan for you, monitor your form, guide you and help you with your goals. However, if it’s not in your budget or you don’t want a personal trainer, that’s fine. You can still ask them for help during your workouts. Like I said above, if you don’t know how to use something, no problem. Simply as a trainer at your gym to show you how to correctly use something. You might feel a little embarrassed but DON’T!! Also, it is much better to feel embarrassed than have improper form using something and then injuring yourself. Trust me, the trainers want to help you and will gladly show you proper technique.

Combine Workouts

This somewhat goes along with my “variety of equipment” point but the beauty of a gym is that you have so much to work with. You can easily do a cardio + strength workout using dumbbells or kettlebells and a treadmill. Run 400 meters on the treadmill, then do 15 kettlebell swings and walking lunges. Done. Easy. Yes it is probably more fun running outside but it is also more of a pain in the @$$ to lug your weights to your local track or outside in order to do a workout like this (I’ve tried.)

Most gyms have all sorts of cardio equipment, so it also makes cross-training so much easier. Don’t feel like running? No problem, hop on a bike. Bored of your usual routine? Do 1o min. treadmill, 10 min. stairstepper, 10 min. elliptical. 30 minute cardio workout done. Want to do a hill workout? You can easily to intervals on the treadmill and “set it and forget it.”

Meet Like-Minded People

If you’re going to the gym regularly, you start seeing the same people every day. Same goes for fitness classes (or perhaps your gym also offers fitness classes which is a bonus). By joining a gym you’ll be able to meet others with similar goals as you and/or perhaps your new workout buddy! I’ve chatted with various people at my gym about running or their workout simply because we see each other a lot, or they see my race shirt so they ask me about it, etc. It is not awkward at all, in fact, if you ask someone about their workout (tip: don’t talk to them while they’re actually doing the workout), they’ll probably be flattered and will love to talk about what they’re doing. Meeting new people can be a new source of motivation and inspiration for you.

I love my gym and am glad my parents also work out at the same gym. One year ago, my dad refused to exercise at the gym because he was embarrassed. Well I know that’s the real reason despite him saying it was just easier to do it at home

;)

Now, he goes to the gym every day and is more motivated than ever to lead a healthy life and exercise regularly.

Continue reading here: Thinking Out Loud: Can You Be 'Fat' But Fit?

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