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Original poster

Gym tips?

30 replies

sipsqueak · 28/09/2023 12:17

Today, in a moment of exuberance, I signed up for a membership at my local gym! 😨

I really want to get fitter so this is a good thing I think. However, I'm already worried that when the initial excitement fades, or when life gets busy, or when the winter hits and it's raining every day, that I will give up and stop going. This has happened to me in the past.

So, for those of you who are good at maintaining a gym routine, do you have any tips? Is there a particular approach (or mindset) that keeps you going? Do you ever use a PT?

And how often do you go? My schedule is flexible enough that I could probably go every day if I wanted to, but I know that's not realistic or sustainable. What's the norm?

OP posts:
PinkBuffalo · 28/09/2023 20:37

I go to gym classes
You see the same peoples and if it is anything like my gym we have all become really good friends so that definitely helps the motivation
I am the fittest I have ever been by going gym classes for years

RayKray · 28/09/2023 19:56

Lift heavy. I never kept up with going to the gym as I find the cardio stuff tedious. Now I've found lifting I go 4 times a week without fail and am excited for every session. I now have a coach but I didn't when I started out but if you can afford one it's a great option, if you get a good one. Some are shit.

MistyTrains2 · 28/09/2023 13:20

I've been 3 times a week since June! I have a PT who I saw weekly, now fortnightly. I track my progress and have a structured program in blocks (first was 12 weeks long).

Haha mindset....when I first lifted with my PT I did a lot more than I thought I could. I sometimes set up the lift in a certain way, run through it in my head, positive self talk. Have a gym play list, the same one I put on in the car and listen to at the gym. I have a gym bag prep list so I don't have to think. Schedule the time. Always stick to the days. I go Sunday PM (at a push I can move it to Monday), Wednesday afternoon (never move this one), and Fri afternoon (may go Fri morning instead). After about 3 months you get addicted to the dopamine 🤣. Always have 2 back to back recovery days. 3 or 4 times a week is ideal. Also you need to decide a split - do you want to do 3 full body days, or upper/lower/push/pull over 4 days. Full Body is good for beginners as you can get maximum gains and if you miss one the cycle is not out of sync.

Eat at maintenance calories to fuel your workouts, or surplus in the beginning to build muscle. If you do gain a little weight ignore it - it is normal, as muscle holds more water. Get enough sleep. Get steps in.

Don't rely on motivation, just go even if you don't feel like it (often my best workouts!).

Original poster
sipsqueak · 28/09/2023 13:14

@Gymmum82 that sounds like a good strategy. Treat it like a job

OP posts:
Gymmum82 · 28/09/2023 12:22

I have a PT. I go minimally 4 times a week. And I treat it like a job. It’s not optional I have to go so then when motivation inevitably wanes. Not going is not an option. My week has scheduled times for the gym and that is when I go no excuses. It works well for me and has for many years