Many of us know strength training is important, but for several, especially newbies, beginning a lifting program at a gym can be a scary feat. Even I have been intimated by weight rooms at times. But not to fret, I’m here to explain some of the top reasons why people avoid the weight room and how to look like a pro and more importantly, overcome your fears of the weights.

6Tips

We set New Year’s resolutions to get healthier, for those of you still holding strong to your fitness goals you have found a gym and gotten your bearings. Now it is time to take the next step and approach your workout like a pro and start getting the results you’re looking for. Over the next week, you can look for one tip a day to help you get over gym-timidation.

 

Tip# 3: Find a gym buddy

When you’re just dragging yourself to the gym in the morning or after work, it can be easy to talk yourself out of it. You are less likely to do so when you know you’ll be meeting a workout buddy there. This is also true for slacking off during exercise, you probably won’t stop for so many “water” breaks or be checking your phone when you’ve got a friend there to call you out.

Gym Phone.jpg

Still not sold? As a beginner, the mirrors at the gym can only tell you so much. When you have a workout buddy, they will be able to correct your form and help keep you from getting injured during your workout.

Ask a friend who’s working towards similar goals and who has a similar schedule to be your gym buddy. Gym buddies are great for motivation and to help you get over that gym-timidation. Besides always having a safety spotter, they are also great to push you to get that last rep and can celebrate in your personal records!

gym buddy

For some of us, it can be difficult to find a gym buddy. We may have recently moved or have an irregular schedule. Regardless of the reason, you can always consider digital accountability. Get a group of friends together via group text, email, etc. and send one another a summary of your workout every day along with a picture of yourself being active to hold each person in the team accountable. Not only do you get support from like-minded individuals, but it might also give you some workout inspiration when reading other peoples routines.

#WorkoutGroupSnap

 

Disclaimer
I am a National Academy of Sports Medicine – Certified Personal Trainer (NASM-CPT), but not a registered dietitian. My blogging is simply a documentation of my life and personal experience. The information contained in my blog posts and Instagram account is for educational and informational purposes only. The opinions I express are mine alone and should not be taken as medical advice. Please consult with your physician or medical professional before making any changes to your current routine.