How to build a regular gym habit
When anyone starts going to the gym, they will inevitably have an eventual goal in mind. It might be that they simply want to increase their cardiovascular fitness, or perhaps improve their muscle definition. They may have weight loss in mind or wish to work out a specific set of muscles. In any case, if you want to have success with your time in the gym, it’s best to build a long-term habit that is a part of your schedule, not the other way round.
In this blog, we’ll take a look at smarter strategies that can help you build a gym habit that will allow you to achieve your goals, whatever they may be.
Get the gear
No-one likes to feel sweaty or uncomfortable as they work out – you want to feel relaxed and comfortable. A big part of doing this is having the right gym gear and equipment – of course, it is an investment, but it is definitely worth it. Look for quality gym gear that not only wicks moisture away from your skin, but also allows air flow to keep you cool.
It is also important to get footwear that is appropriate for the gym. Some gym users think their regular trainers are fine to use – but these are not designed for high intensity workouts, and likely won’t give your feet and ankles the support they need. It is definitely worth putting the investment in a quality pair of gym shoes.
Know your goals
Another major part of setting up a gym habit is setting sensible goals. Too many people join a gym with unrealistic expectations about the changes it is going to make to them. Yes, Hollywood stars can make major body transformations in a short space of time – but that’s not practical or possible for everyone.
For example, if you have a goal to lose a stone in weight – don’t assume that this is something that you can achieve in a month. Even if you have the time to put in to weight loss workouts at the gym, extremely fast weight loss is generally unsustainable. It is a smarter idea to set long-term goals and start gradually working towards them. The point of your gym habit is not immediate results, but rather small and consistent improvement over time.
Set a realistic schedule
While we’re talking about being realistic, let’s consider your schedule. At the beginning of your gym journey, you might think that you’re going to start getting up two hours before work every week day to get your workout in. In reality, such a massive change to your lifestyle is unlikely, and ultimately it is probably better to schedule your gym visits around your life.
Being realistic about when and how often you can visit the gym can permit you to work plan a workout regime that is sustainable.
Get the right support
One often-overlooked aspect of gym success is having a support structure in place. Let’s face facts here – may be a challenge and not always something that everyone looks forward to. So, if you can have a system of support whether that’s in the form of a friend who attends with you, or a personal trainer who can devise a personal exercise plan for you, it can make a huge difference.
Start slow and gradually increase
No matter what your goals are in the gym, it’s important to recognise that you can’t run without walking first. Don’t try to overexert yourself in every gym session under the assumption it will lead to quicker results. To use a sports metaphor, gym work outs can be considered a marathon rather than a sprint. If you overexert yourself, it is only likely to be painful and make you feel worse about returning to the gym.
It’s a much better idea to start slow and gradually increase your workout intensity to build up a sustainable gym habit.
Enjoy what you’re doing
Perhaps one of the crucial yet most overlooked aspects of building a regular gym habit is having a gym that you love to visit. Somewhere with fantastic equipment, helpful trainers, and a friendly environment. At Wickwoods Country Club, we have a stunning, well-equipped gym that can be the perfect choice.
If you’re interested in joining Wickwoods to get access to our gym, please don’t hesitate to fill out our membership enquiry form, and an experienced member of the team will get back to you.