With the new year in full swing, now is the prime time to get a gym membership. Whether your goal is to lose weight and gain muscle or improve your endurance, there are plenty of reasons to give in. Here are some reasons to join a gym.
No matter what your fitness goals entail, consistency is key to reaching them and in order to maintain consistency, we need structure, which is exactly what a gym provides. When all of the equipment you could ever need is conveniently in one place, you’re more likely to stick with your goals, and more importantly, reach them.
The beauty of a fitness club is that there is a little something for everyone and a variety of ways to use equipment. From free weights to cardio machines to swimming and Zumba classes, gyms offer members variety, which is crucial for maintaining motivation and preventing stale workouts. With an abundance of equipment, you’re always able to mix up your routine so you’re never bored, and you actually enjoy working out.
Personal trainers and class instructors are there to help you reach your fitness goals by offering expert advice and hands-on guidance to ensure proper form and a healthy diet. It’s especially important for those who feel intimidated by the gym and are insecure about what they’re doing.
Group classes and training are also effective for reaching your goals and receiving extra help. A group setting might seem intimidating initially, but rather than focusing on how you look to other people, confide in other attendees as well as your instructors to learn new exercises and expand your fitness knowledge.
The beginning of a new year is a peak time for receiving special discounts on memberships along with various fitness items like water bottles, protein powder, workout gear and even deals on personal training, so take advantage of any and all deals your gym might be offering. These offers will be kind to your wallet and your health.
Many of us have either tried to lose weight or have at least
wanted to lose weight and it’s easy to be misinformed or to waste time by
relying on the wrong solutions. Here are some of the most common weight loss mistakes.
One of the most common weight loss mistakes majority of us
are guilty of is relying on the scale to detect our progress. Although it can
be a helpful tool, especially for those looking to lose an excess amount of
weight, it can actually hinder weight loss. First off, this is because most of
us don’t understand that there is a difference between weight loss and fat
loss. We use the phrase, “weight loss” to describe wanting to lose fat.
Second, the scale doesn’t know the difference between muscle and fat, so even though you might be exercising and eating clean, the number might not go down because while you’re losing fat, you may also be gaining muscle in the process. Be mindful of this the next time you look down at that pesky number, because it typically does more harm than good and isn’t always accurate like you think. Learn more about the scale here.
One common myth we are told is to run for weight loss. Too much cardio can actually do the opposite and cause weight gain because your body will eventually burn muscle instead of fat. According to Health Magazine, too much cardio can cause the body to store energy as fat and increase your appetite, making you more inclined to overeat. A pound of muscle burns three times more calories than a pound of fat, so that’s why it’s advised to strength train if you’re looking to lose fat.
Yes, you can gain weight from healthy food. This is because eating too much of anything is not good. Fat loss takes place with a calorie deficit when you burn more calories than you consume, which is why it’s imperative to practice portion control if you’re trying to achieve weight loss.
Eating too little and too much both hinder weight loss,
especially if your diet is small amounts of processed junk food. Not only is it
not enough food to satisfy hunger cues, but junk food lacks nutrients, which
leads to deprivation, overeating and ultimately, weight gain. In order to reach
your weight loss goals, you need to eat more healthy foods like vegetables,
lean meats and whole grains and indulge in moderation.
Weight loss takes time, and this isn’t just because it feels
like forever to see results, it’s actually scientific. It takes 12 weeks of
consistency to see measurable changes in your body and often times, most people
fail to lose weight because they aren’t patient.
So, the next time you see something online or on television
that promises to help you lose weight fast, it’s safe to say that you won’t
keep the weight off. Keep in mind that even though it might take some time to
lose weight, the good news is that it also takes time to pack on the pounds.
One good meal won’t make you fit or thin just like how one bad meal won’t make
you fat.
We are convinced that something is better for us or will help us lose weight if the label says “diet” or “low-fat.” Take something that is fat-free for instance.The product has been stripped of fat but replaced with added sugars to make it taste better. According to Healthline, low-fat or fat-free foods contain higher amounts of sugar, which increase hunger signals and cause you to actually consume more calories.
Rather than focusing on labels, maintain a balanced diet of
nutrient-rich foods like fresh vegetables, protein and whole grains. You’ll
have a lot better luck at losing weight this way than relying on diet foods
that contain hidden ingredients and added sugars.
Like it or not, there is no “magic pill” for weight loss–at
least not for long-term results. There are “fat burners” and crash diets out
there that might help you shed a few pounds initially, but the cold truth is
simple–you have to eat right and work out to lose weight, and to keep it off,
stay away from dieting. It’s not a realistic weight loss approach because
people typically don’t maintain it.
It’s perfectly fine to treat yourself sometimes, but it’s also easy to get carried away and set yourself back if you aren’t mindful. According to Reader’s Digest, a study found that people claimed to have burned more calories than they actually did during a workout and then consumed more food than usual as a reward for exercising. Having that mentality can sabotage your weight loss goals because you can’t out-train a poor diet, so instead, eat clean 80 percent of the time and reward yourself 20 percent.
On the contrary, it’s also a common mistake and habit to
feel like we have to deprive ourselves of our favorite guilty pleasures. Once
this happens, we immediately crave them more because it’s not realistic or sustainable
to quit something we love cold turkey. Just like with rewarding yourself,
practice everything in moderation instead of restricting yourself to the
extreme.
This includes alcoholic beverages and “healthy” smoothies
that many dieters drink as meal replacements. It’s easy to ignore liquid
calories or not count them, but these calories definitely matter and can easily
skyrocket your daily intake. “Healthy” smoothies or shakes often contain hidden
ingredients and added sugars that spike your hunger cues, leaving you hungrier
and reaching for more food, according to Reader’s Digest.
Although clean eating and consistent exercise is better than
a poor diet and no exercise, what works for someone else might not work for you.
Everyone has different lifestyles, body types and habits, and some even have
medical conditions that hinder weight loss. If you’re unsure about what works
for you, get with a personal trainer that will push you harder during workouts
and help your form custom meal plans.
Even if you order on the lighter menu or you order something
that’s supposed to be “healthy,” there’s definitely a good chance it’s actually
not good for you. Sure, some restaurant items are worse than others and it’s
important to be mindful when you go out, but many dishes have hidden
ingredients and are packed with excess sugar and fat. Limit dining out to once a
week and cook healthy meals for the remaining days.
You eat clean and exercise Monday through Thursday but once
the weekend rolls around you dive head first into greasy food, alcohol and skip
the gym. This probably sounds familiar to you since it’s a very common weight
loss mistake and is typically the main culprit for stubborn fat that sticks
around. By over-indulging on the weekends, you’re taking two steps forward and
one step back. Avoid this by limiting alcohol intake and being mindful when you
dine out. Moderation is key to realistic and healthy weight loss.
A gym membership is one of the best purchases you can make because investing in your health is one of the best things you can do for yourself, but you also might not always be aware of everything your club offers. Here’s how you can get the most out of your gym membership.
Different memberships
offer different things. That’s why it’s important to understand what your
membership entails. Basic packages typically offer access to general gym
equipment but exclude perks like free group classes. It’s important to keep in
mind that you may not be one for group classes and a basic workout might all
you need to reach your fitness goals.
This same concept
applies to clubs with multiple locations for example. Even though gyms will
charge more for access to multiple locations, you might need access to all
locations. Matching your needs with the type of membership you’re paying for
will help you get the most out of it, whether that means more perks or not.
Let’s face it, most
gym equipment looks strange and difficult to use, and since you’re paying for
it, you better get your money’s worth and know how to use the machines. If you
don’t know, ask a staff member or a trainer. They are there to be your guide.
For one, it’s
important to mix up your workout regimen with various exercises, and for two,
this applies especially when your club is packed with other members and you have
to take turns using equipment. You aren’t getting the most out of your
membership if you just stand around while you wait. If your favorite machine is
taken, grab a mat, some free weights and sneak in some space to do something
else until the machine is free. You already made it to the gym, so there’s no
excuse to not fulfill a workout, even if it’s a quick one.
This might not seem like it applies to your gym membership, but actually the two go hand and hand. Majority of the time a poor diet is exactly why members aren’t seeing the results they want. The bottom line with this is that you can’t out train a bad diet. Many members exercise constantly and don’t eat right, then don’t see results, which often leads to discouragement and membership cancellations. Do yourself and your membership justice by eating right and letting all of those sweat sessions pay off.
Some memberships include
group classes as part of the package, and if this is the case for you, take
advantage of as many classes as you can because sometimes nothing is more
motivating than surrounding yourself in a room full of people breaking a sweat
and if you’re paying extra, then it would be silly not to.
Depending on your fitness needs and goals, personal training might be beneficial to you and some premium memberships include it. Even if it’s not included in your membership, personal training is still an add on that can be purchased directly in My Member Account Mobile App. By doing this, you’re getting more out of your club.
This includes staying
connected on both your club’s social media platforms as well as My Member
Account Mobile App. Follow your gym’s social media pages for inspiration, to
stay updated about what’s happening in your gym and most importantly, to
include yourself in the community.
By downloading My Member Account Mobile App, you will find featured classes and club promotions along with being able to view your own class and session schedules. The more you know and the more efficient you are, the more you’ll get of your membership because you’ll have more time to focus on your fitness goals.
The gym is a place of community, which means all members should feel welcomed and comfortable. Most gyms and fitness clubs typically have specific rules, however there are unspoken guidelines members should be aware of. Here are some dos and don’ts of gym etiquette.
Once you’re finished using free weights, always remember to put them back for safety and courtesy purposes. It’s not only dangerous to have heavy weights lying around but leaving them out implies that they are still in use. Be courteous and put weights back so other members can use the equipment. This applies especially during busy hours when members might have to take turns and wait for equipment.
Mirrors are definitely a hot spot in most gyms and can quickly become overcrowded, so although it might be difficult not to accidently block someone’s view during peak hours, try to avoid doing this at all. If this section of your gym is too crowded, exercise somewhere else and then come back to the mirror when space frees up.
How many of us enjoy working out in someone else’s sweat? No one, and gyms are not shy of germs. Although it’s not technically required and not a member’s responsibility to keep their gym clean, most gyms and fitness clubs have stations with cleaner and paper towels because it’s common courtesy to clean equipment. Remember to wipe down anything you touch. This includes treadmills, ellipticals, machine weights, free weights, even mats and foam rollers. Once you learn more about gyms and germs, you won’t think twice about wiping stuff down.
Unless you hit the gym when its dead, don’t spend hours on one machine. This is especially pertinent during peak hours when people might have to wait for machines. A good rule of thumb for cardio equipment is to spend no more than 30 minutes on these machines. When it comes to machine weights, don’t just sit and hang out on them. Do your reps, take small rests and then move onto the next thing.
This same concept applies to free weights as well. As we’ve reiterated before, use the weights you need and then put them back so someone else can use them. Spending hours on one machine also means that you aren’t exercising multiple muscle groups, which isn’t an effective workout anyway.
There’s always one person at the gym who grunts during every rep. Don’t be that guy. It’s unnecessary and disrupts other people’s workouts. If you feel the need to scream, the weight is probably too heavy, and you might need to take it down a notch.
The gym is a place where most of us break a sweat and even though it doesn’t have to be the best-smelling place, nothing disrupts a workout like dreaded body odor. Do yourself and everyone else a favor by keeping up with good hygiene.
Although you might be proud of your six pack and that you can bench press mass amounts of weight, other gym-goers don’t need or care to know. Every person at the gym is there to better themselves, no matter their size or how fast they can run. There’s a big difference between celebrating victories and showing off. Be proud of your own accomplishments, remember to do your own thing and also build up those around you.
This applies to really anywhere in your gym, but especially in hot spots like where there are mirrors, free weights, mats and stretching zones. It seems like common sense to mind your own space, but it can be difficult when the gym is crowded, so do as best as you can.
Not only is this dangerous and can seriously hurt you or someone else, but it’s also disrespectful to your club’s equipment and is disruptive to other members. Just like with grunting and screaming at the gym, if you find yourself needing to drop dumbbells, the weight is too heavy. Drop the weight, not the dumbbells.
Unless you have a pressing emergency or legitimate reason to leave a group class early, it’s typically advised not to. Leaving a class early not only throws off other members in the class, but it’s inconsiderate to the instructor. Plus, if you paid for the class, it’d be a waste to not get your money’s worth.
We are all familiar with the classic gym selfie, and although there’s nothing wrong with posting your workouts and fitness victories, the gym is not your personal photo studio. There’s nothing worse than someone hogging the mirror to snap selfies as other members are actually trying to use it during their workout. Take one, be done and move along with your workout.
The gym may be a place for self-improvement, however, it is possible for it to negatively impact your fitness journey if you don’t find the right balance. Whether you’re a gym junkie or just signed up with a gym, anyone can work their body too much and hurt themselves if they aren’t careful. Here are some general warning signs to watch out for.
Exercise and muscle soreness go hand and hand, and if you’re new to working out, it’s normal to be sore for longer, however, if the soreness prolongs for three days or more, your body is telling you to take a chill pill, because it’s likely experiencing more than DOMS (Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness) and could be a joint-related injury, according to Shape Magazine.
Take at least one or two rest days to let your body recover, especially if you’re just starting out in the gym. New gym-goers are more prone to joint injuries because they typically don’t have proper form. Remember not to rush during a workout, as this can cause permanent muscle or joint damage and focus on quality, not quantity while weightlifting. Learn more about muscle soreness here.
This includes both
getting the common cold and feeling nauseous during a workout. If you’re
someone who exercises regularly and you’re experiencing common cold symptoms
like a sore throat and runny nose, it’s time to pump the breaks at the gym. If
during a workout you begin to feel light headed, dizzy and nauseous, this is
typically an indicator that you’re running on an empty stomach, you ate too
much right before a workout, you’re dehydrated or you’re simply pushing
yourself too hard.
Drink plenty of water
during your workout and make sure to focus on your breathing. When it comes to
food, it’s best to eat a small amount 30 minutes to an hour before a workout to
ensure you have substance to fuel your body, but not too much that it makes you
sick to your stomach.
Whether you’re in
pain because you pulled a muscle, you’re low on energy or you feel weak lifting
weights, you should consider parting ways with the gym for a little bit. Many
people have the misconception that they need to put in maximum effort to see
results, but it’s not always the smartest choice to push your limits because sometimes
it’s not physically possible. Not only will your workouts suffer, but your
results will too, according to Shape.
This may not seem
like an outcome of overdoing it at the gym, but if you’re constantly doing the
same workout, you might want to either take a break or consider mixing up your
routine because results will begin to plateau or move backwards. Although it’s
normal for anyone not to be in the mood to hit the gym, you should never dread
going, especially if you’re a regular. According to Shape, you might begin your
workout unmotivated, but endorphins should kick in as you start to sweat. If
after a little while this is not the case, that’s actually a hint to take a
break.
Although exercise is supposed to help you sleep better, overdoing it at the gym can actually counteract your sleeping patterns. Men’s Journal says that pushing your body too much can cause insomnia or oversleeping. If you’re abnormally tired at the beginning of a workout, this is also an indicator that you should rest.
You may not even know your resting heart rate or take your blood pressure, but both can be helpful in determining whether you need to chill out at the gym. According to 12 Minute Athlete, if you’re an avid exerciser and have high blood pressure but have no other risk factors for it, it’s most likely because you’re working out too much. People who are in shape have resting heart rates of 50 or 60 bpm and the average person’s resting heart rate is 72 bpm. If your heart rate is significantly higher than that and you’re in good shape, it’s time to rest.
We’ve all been there and done that–looked down at that pesky number and felt ashamed about what we saw, then immediately started thinking about how we were going to lower the number, eventually spiraling into vicious cycles of crash diets, different weight loss plans and frustration to see the number either stay the same or increase. As difficult as it might be to steer away from it, the scale is not a true reflection of your weight loss journey or fitness level. Here’s why.
Let’s face it–the scale does a lot more harm than good for many of us. This is because we don’t truly understand how weight loss works and we rely on a number to tell us that we are doing better or worse. The scale unfortunately goes hand and hand with yo-yo dieting, short-term weight loss and the people who have the misconception that results come quick. These same people often will turn to the scale, see a lower number, but will feel defeated shortly after when that number goes back up, causing their progress to suffer and the whole process to take way longer than it should.
Weight fluctuates too much
Although it’s usually safe to say that the number you see on the scale is fairly accurate, it’s not your true weight. So many factors fluctuate your actual weight like water intake, bloating, hormones and sodium levels, according to Fight to Fitness. People who aren’t losing weight “correctly” will often find the number on the scale decrease from loss of water weight, but their clothes fit the same and they haven’t lost inches.
Fat loss is different than weight loss
This is possibly the biggest weight loss misconception. When people say they want to lose weight, they typically mean they want to slim down and trim fat but make the mistake of relying on the scale to track their progress. Someone may lose inches and slim down but the number on the scale either increases or stays the same. This is because fat loss and muscle gain are taking place at the same time. Muscle mass is also denser and leaner than fat. This explains why someone might see an increase on the scale, but their pants are looser. According to Very Well Fit, the scale can’t tell the difference between fat and muscle, which is why stepping on one can be confusing and deceiving.
Weight looks different on everyone
A tall person will carry weight a lot differently than someone who is short. Take for instance someone who appears thin. This person may be satisfied when they look at the scale but could be out of shape and have unhealthy levels of body fat, while another person with better endurance weighs exactly the same is made up mostly of muscle.
Although the scale can be helpful, especially for people who are looking to lose a lot of weight, the scale doesn’t tell the whole story. Here are other ways to measure fitness progress:
How your clothes fit:
The way your clothes fit will tell you a lot more than a scale will. Whether that means pants feel looser or you can finally button old jeans again, how your clothes fit is a direct result of losing inches and fat, and once again, this is because muscle is leaner than fat. Plus, this method focuses on how you feel rather than placing a number on your progress. Although some might see both a drop in the scale and looser jeans, many people would surprisingly see no difference in their weight, but they can fit into smaller sizes.
Better endurance and fitness levels:
According to Health Magazine, the scale will not tell you how fit you are. How much weight you can lift and how fast you can run matters. If you can run a mile faster now than you could four months ago or you can lift 10 pounds heavier than you could a few weeks ago, you’re in better shape. Endurance and strength training are key to a healthy fitness journey that the scale doesn’t measure.
If you want to lose weight, focus more on non-scale victories like improving your endurance. Instead of making it a goal to lose 20 pounds, make it a goal to be able to do a full push-up or pull-up. The weight loss part will naturally come in time as your endurance improves and you won’t beat yourself up in the process.
How you feel:
Do you have more energy? Do you feel more confident? Has your perspective on living a healthy lifestyle changed in a positive way? All of these components are key to healthy weight loss and cannot be measured on a scale. The issue with weight loss is that we focus so much on the way we look rather than how we actually feel inside. Not only is that an unhealthy approach that typically leads to confidence issues, crash diets and a bad relationship with the scale, but effective and long-term weight loss actually works in reverse of the status-quo. Since the way we see ourselves is very mental, healthy weight loss begins in the mind. Practice altering your mindset by taking baby steps, making subtle changes to unhealthy habits and focusing less on numbers. The better you feel, the more results you will see, and the healthier you will be overall.
BOTTOM LINE
The scale should be used as a tool to know basic numbers about yourself, but it’s not always correct. If you’re someone who feels more at ease when you know your weight, avoid obsessing over it and letting it dictate the way you see yourself. If you’re someone who prefers not to know, that’s perfectly okay too. Besides, at the end of the day, it is just a number.
Whether you’ve just joined a gym or you’re a major athlete, at some point, it is very daunting. Most of the equipment looks completely foreign, you don’t know how to use it, and when you decide to give it a try, you’re afraid of being judged by everyone else who seems to know what they’re doing. Or maybe you’re running on a treadmill next to that super muscular person when all of a sudden, you become self-conscious about how much you’re sweating, panting and how your body is bouncing around. Sometimes this fear even prevents you from stepping foot in your gym. If this sounds familiar to you, then here are some ways to help you conquer your gym fright.
People tour their gyms so they can familiarize themselves with a new environment to prevent being clueless come time for their first workout. During your tour, grab your mental pen and paper and scope out the facility. Study where certain machines are, where the locker rooms are, and any other areas that spark your interest. Ask about classes, personal training, how to use certain equipment, or simply take mental notes of how people are using complex machines. The more informed you are prior to your first workout in the facility, the less intimidating the experience will be.
You are not the only person in the facility who feels self-conscious or has felt this way. No one likes not knowing what to do, but chances are, a lot of other people feel the same way you do. Once you realize that, you’ll be more comfortable, and lifting your 10-pound weights compared to the person lifting 50 pounds won’t be a big deal anymore.
Working out with someone is already motivating, but it’s even more effective for people who have gym fright. If you continuously feel discouraged, exercise with a buddy for a better support system. Not only will you feel more at ease being there with someone you know who has similar fitness goals, but you will be more willing to try new machines that you probably wouldn’t have tried if you went alone. To top it off, having someone by your side at first is excellent leeway into eventually being comfortable going to the gym on your own. This will ultimately lead to more confidence, better workouts and quality usage of your membership. If your workout buddy doesn’t have the same membership as you, ask your club about guest passes.
On top of initial intimidation, there is nothing worse than walking into a gym with no agenda, especially on a busy day when you have to wait for your turn to use a machine and other people have to wait on you. Before stepping foot in your gym, write out a workout plan on your phone so that you have it with you in case you forget. Decide what days of the week you are going to hit the gym and organize your routine based on whatever you want to work on each day. On Monday, you might choose to do a spin class while Tuesday you choose to do arms and core strengthening. Have other machine-less activities in mind like push-ups and planks that you can do in case you have to wait for a machine to open up, that way you don’t feel awkward standing around wasting your time. The more efficient you are, the faster you will acclimate to the gym and the other members in it.
At first this is easier said than done, especially because you feel like everyone is staring at you, but in reality, everyone is so focused on themselves to even care about how much weight you’re lifting or what you look like while doing a squat. It doesn’t matter if you can barely do a push-up while the person next to you is lifting 100 pounds because you’re both at the gym to better yourselves. By keeping that in mind, you’ll naturally find yourself drifting away from what other people are doing and be more in tune with your own to-do list, which is where your focus should be.
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