Setting Yourself Up For Success: A Guide to New Gym-Goers
Starting at a new gym can feel both exciting and overwhelming. To help you get started on the right foot and ensure you’re showing up more consistently, here are three simple yet effective tips that will set you up for success:
1. Pack Your Travel Gym Bag
Preparation is key to a successful trip to the gym. Make sure your gym bag is always ready with the essentials:
- Change of Clothes: Workout attire that is breathable and comfortable for you to move in.
- Shoes and Socks: Proper footwear is crucial for support and preventing injuries. Choose flat, not overly cushioned shoes.
- Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is essential for maintaining weight loss, energy, and overall performance. Make it easy to consume.
- Towel: For wiping off sweat, equipment, or post shower if you need one before work.
- Additional Items: Consider packing items like chalk, jump rope, a small snack (a banana and protein powder go a long way), and any personal hygiene products you might need, too.
Having everything you need in one place means you won’t have to scramble or worry about forgetting something important. Or worse than that, skipping the gym altogether.
2. Keep Your Gym Bag Handy
One of the biggest obstacles to consistent attendance is the hassle of fitting it into your daily routine. To overcome this, keep your gym bag in your car at all times. This way, you’ll always have the option to head to the gym straight from work or while running errands. By eliminating the need to go home first, you’re reducing the chance of talking yourself out of your workout and the convenience factor can be a game-changer in building a consistent gym habit.
3. Focus on Showing Up
When you’re new to the gym, it’s easy to get caught up in the specifics of your workout. While planning how you plan to tackle the workout can be helpful, the most crucial step is showing up. Make it a habit of going to the gym consistently, even if it’s just for a short session. This builds a routine and helps integrate fitness into your current lifestyle. Over time, as you become more comfortable and confident, you’ll find that this step gets much easier.
Final Thoughts
Remember, creating a consistent routine of fitness is a marathon, not a sprint. Setting yourself up for success involves creating habits that make it easier for you to stick with your routine. By packing a well-prepared gym bag, keeping it accessible, and focusing on the habit of showing up, you’ll be laying a strong foundation to last a lifetime! So stay patient, be consistent, and celebrate every small victory along the way. You’ve got this!