by Kerry Taylor
Every couple of days, I seem to have a conversation with someone about wanting to get back into the gym but just aren’t sure about it for many reasons. If you are like them, this pandemic has messed up your rhythm in life. The shortage of certain supplies, at home virtual schooling, at home virtual work, restaurants are closed or limited, gyms are closed or tried to go virtual. Your emotions and mental state were on a constant rollercoaster ride. Glued to some version of a news cast to see what the next change is going to be that you have to adjust to next. Today’s plan may not be tomorrow’s plan.
Now, schools are pushing hard to be open and stay in person, restaurants are close to being back in full swing. Life is getting back to a little bit more normalcy every day. When it comes to gyms, there are many out there that seem to still have their road blocks up. Which is understandable, of course. Which, in turn, for those that are serious about strengthening their health and bodies made you attempt to continue with your at home workouts that you can find almost anywhere or revert to being outside running or walking. For some, that may be working sort of, but what’s missing from the ultimate equation to achieve success? A coach to guide and push you over the mark to go beyond where you are now. The camaraderie and energy from others to also help push you forward.
Here are some tips or thoughts to help you get back in to your gym that you called your home, or a gym in general, so you can continue to put things in place to find your rhythm again. Things sound so much better when the rhythm is on point.
1. Focus on what you can gain
It’s always easy for us to look at the negative side of something. Unfortunately, our society right now is always quick to point out what’s wrong. Instead of reframing things and taking a serious look at what is right, or could go right. I know for myself and many others, working out back in a facility, with others has definitely helped my mental outlook on things. It has helped my mental state become more focused and fortified. There are always the physical benefits that our body will achieve as well. What better way to combat what has been keeping you out of a gym, but to strengthen all aspects of the body which will also bolster your immune system to ward off disease and create better health.
2. Start in first gear
When you do decide to head back in to a facility, don’t over do it. Have a talk with yourself the night before or in your car before you have your first workout back. Remind yourself, you may not be where you were when you stepped away, so go easy. Start in first gear and each day or week try to slowly change gears. No one likes to jump right in and over do it, the results are not fun. It may feel great in the moment, but the aftermath, quite frankly, sucks. Some of you reading this may know what I’m talking about. Yes, you will be a little sore when you start out depending on how active you have been, and that’s okay and expected. You want to be at a level of soreness that is bearable so you can keep forging ahead. Don’t crash and burn in the first week.
3. The journey is yours, no one else’s
People may look at you, but who cares? We always think the worst in a new setting or an old setting that’s new again because the people may be different. I will tell you, we will paint and create the worst stories in our heads. Remember, just do you. Everyone has been in your shoes before, even though you may not think so, but you will never know it. They started at a different time than you and are on a different part of their journey. If crowds currently still make you nervous, figure out times when the gym may be slower. That way you don’t have to worry about the eyes or other things that are making you anxious. What information do you need to be successful on your journey? Get that information and forge ahead.
4. Bring your peeps
Tried and true in almost anything that has you nervous, bring a friend with you. Having a buddy will help ease your anxiety of whatever it is you're afraid or nervous about. You can go through it all together. Maneuver all the physical hurdles, but also the mental hurdles that may hold you back. Good friends know how you will react to something and will beat you to the punch to get you over the hurdle so you can keep your journey going.
5. Get a coach
Having a coach is always a great way to start anything. They are there to guide you, to help you not make mistakes or veer off the path too much, pull you back on the path when you want to throw your hands up and say you’re done, or give you the proper dosage that is enough for you at the current time. Solutions you may not even think of to your problems, can be resolved by your coach. Let us lead the way forward. Make sure you get yourself a coach.
I know Covid is at the top of many minds. As I mentioned earlier, the one thing that you hardly ever hear is one of the best ways to combat a disease is to make your body as healthy as possible to fight things off. You don’t have to be in the gym all the time, feel free to mix it up and you will be fine. Whether you’re a former 212er, a big box gymer or go to a different gym, think about how you can get back to where you were. Your body and mind will thank you for it. If you haven’t been a workout or gym person, what better time to start than NOW! You won’t regret it. Until next time, continue to live life 1 degree above the rest.