Overcoming hesitation to start going to the gym can be challenging, but here are the top three strategies that can help:
Define Your Why: Understand your reasons for wanting to start going to the gym. Whether it's for improving health, losing weight, gaining muscle, or boosting mental well-being, having a clear purpose can motivate you.
Start Small: Set realistic and achievable short-term goals. Instead of committing to 5+ days a week, start by signing up for something that is 2 times per week. Remember that if you're currently doing nothing each week for fitness, 2 times per week is already a 200% increase in your active days per week!
Track Progress: Keep a log of your workouts and progress. Seeing improvements, even small ones, can boost motivation and reduce hesitation. Think beyond the scale: How is my sleep changing? Is my afternoon slump improving? Do I have more energy? Are my clothes fitting better? Do I feel more confident?
Accountability Partner: Having a friend or family member to go to the gym with can provide mutual encouragement and accountability. While we have the best community of members here at RISE who will always make you feel welcome, we understand it can make the experience less intimidating by walking in with a friend. Grab someone and try something out!
Group Classes: Joining group classes can create a sense of community and provide structure. It's a way to meet new people who share similar fitness goals and interests, plus make the gym experience more social.
Research: Learn about different types of training programs, classes, and activities available at the gym. Knowledge can reduce anxiety and make you feel more confident. Many gyms offer introductory sessions to familiarize you with all the options.
Create a Routine: Plan your workout times in advance. Having a clear routine can reduce uncertainty and make it easier to stick to your gym schedule. Knowing when you are going each day helps to ensure you'll be successful in bringing it into your busy life.
Combining these strategies can help build confidence and reduce the hesitation associated with starting a gym routine.