Even though you know that you should be getting some exercise every day, it isn’t for everyone. Unfortunately, too many people are put off by the pain they feel when they first begin exercising – not everyone has the willpower to push themselves physically and make exercising a regular activity.
The traditional workout settings in the gym can be intimidating for people who aren’t the fittest. Fitness trainers will tell you that it takes a few goes before non-goers get comfortable with the idea of being in the gym.
Those new to the gym are self-conscious and worried about what others are thinking. Most people are focused on themselves when working out but if you’re still concerned about how you may look to them, here are a few tips on how to get comfortable with the gym.
Take a class
There are way too many people in a class for there to be many eyes on you. You have someone to lead the class who everyone follows, so you don’t look completely lost.
You’ll quickly notice that everyone will have their own stamina, some people will have it easier than others. Everyone will do their best and go at their own pace. There’s no reason for you to feel conscious in a group setting, there’s always going to be people who are struggling more than you.
Classes can be offered at different levels of difficulty so check for ones that are for beginners.
Build endurance at home
If you’re worried about huffing and puffing in front of others to reveal how unfit you are, then try and build some stamina and endurance at home before you hit the gym.
You can begin by following a regime at home that gives you a full body workout. Simple exercise regimes consisting of basic exercises that you can do daily will loosen up your joints and get your muscles used to the idea of working out. With time your heart-rate should improve, you won’t be out of breath as easily, and exercise won’t be so painful.
Tighten your muscles with low-impact exercising such as brisk walking or swimming laps every day. Brisk walking for an hour will help you gain stamina.
Swimming with the interval-training makes for an excellent full-body workout. The water-pressure adds resistance to your workout, but it also acts as a cushion, lowering the impact on your joints.
Swimming also is likely to leave you gasping for air as it keeps your body temperature cool and stops it from overheating. It’s a great way of increasing your stamina and strengthening your muscles before you decide to hit the gym.
Dress comfortably
Get yourself proper clothes that don’t restrict movement, are breathable, and that will keep you dry. You may feel like loose clothing is the way to go but loose clothing can be a hassle to work out in.
Firstly, baggy clothes can be a safety hazard when you are trying to work out, you might end up tripping on it yourself, or they can get caught up in the equipment you’re using.
Secondly, when you aren’t wearing fitted clothes, it’s harder to see your alignment, posture and to follow your movement. When you’re in proper workout attire, your muscles will remain tighter throughout your workout making it more efficient.
Go to the gym during odd times
Expect the gym to be fuller at certain periods of the day. Going when there are fewer people around will allow you some time on your own to get comfortable with the equipment and the machines. If you can go to the gym during office hours, then go for it because this is when it’s most likely to be empty.
Have a plan
If you’re not exercising with a trainer, then ask a friend who’s a fitness enthusiast to come up with a plan on what activities to do, what areas to work every day and the equipment you should be using. You'd feel more comfortable in the gym if you had some guidance on what areas to exercise and the types of activities to do.
If you don’t have anyone to help you out then simply browsing the internet will give you some direction on what exercises you should be doing.
You’ll even find demonstrations on how to use the equipment in the gym and the variations of exercises you can do using them. There is no better way to look like a pro when you know your way around the heavy equipment in the gym, so do your research before you step in.
Find yourself a workout you enjoy
Many of them will feel like more play than an actual workout, and of course, not all of them come cheap. Sweating it out in the gym may not be for you, but a rebounder trampoline class may be.
There are so many different ways to work out today that weren’t available a decade back. You have so many options to choose from. If you don’t think that the gym is for you, then look into other types of workouts.
Do a quick search on any fun classes that may be happening around you. A lot of courses come up, and you’ll be surprised by the types that appear. There’s everything from pole-dancing classes to twerking classes, pick one based on what sounds interesting to you and exerts the muscles you wish to work on.
Take a friend
Taking a buddy along with you is the best motivation when exercising. There’s comfort in numbers. You don’t feel so self-conscious when you’ve taken a friend with you.
Exercise has a way of becoming more fun instantly when you’re with someone whose company you enjoy. There’s less hesitancy when you have a friend to workout with you than doing it alone.
Also, when you are working out with a friend, your brain is distracted and more relaxed therefore you aren’t as intimidated by the idea of working out.
from Dai Manuel: Your Lifestyle Mentor http://ift.tt/2wuu2jz
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