Health: Gym Tips To Help Hit Your Fitness Goal

Two months in and I’m no expert on gym and gym etiquette. However, in those 60 days I’ve taken almost 20 pounds off and have a few helpful tips I wish someone would’ve told me when I first started.

Set a routine

This is the crucial part of any health/fitness goal. You need a routine from when you go, to the weights you lift, to the sets you do, even the shower after. Make it part of your routine. Just like anything in life, the more you do it, the more it becomes second nature. You can’t just go randomly, do random sets, and walk out whenever. How will you track your progress? The scale? That thing lies to you more than a cheating ex. Make sure the machines you use are the same weights, start at the same position, and you do the same amount of reps. Any slight change to these will hinder your recognition of your progress. Just because you lift heavier weights doesn’t mean you’re making progress. Can you do it consistently? Set your routine.

Go anyway

That needs to be your motto when starting a gym routine and carry it right on through. You’re too tired? Go anyway, it’ll wake your body up. Too sore from a previous workout? Go anyway, lighten the load so you’re still getting resistance but not hurting yourself. Don’t feel like it? Go anyway, you will feel better every time you go to the gym and push yourself. We don’t hate the gym, we hate how we feel after.

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Track Your Progress

You don’t need a scale to track your progress. Track how you feel after your workouts, how you sleep, the measurements of your waist/arms/chest. Some days progress doesn’t show up on the scale and that’s okay. Take pictures weekly and notes daily. You’ll start to see your progress.

Avoid The Pissing Contest

Too many people go to the gym, feel like they’re being watched, or watch others, and feel the need to push themselves beyond their capabilities. Look, there’s no shame in going down a few pounds if you’re still getting resistance. The resistance you feel is more important than the number on the weight you’re lifting. Pay attention to your body, it will tell you all you need to know.

So much pressure is put on lifting heavier that people often sacrifice form. If your form isn’t good, you’re being counterproductive. You’re either working towards an injury or working the wrong muscle group than you intended. Take the weight down to a comfortable level and add a couple more reps.