GYM NEWBIE-TOP 3 MISTAKES TO AVOID
Hello, EXFO readers! Welcome back! In this post, I’ll quickly discuss the 3 most common pitfalls I see newbie gym goers fall into. As a certified PT, I caution all of my new clients about these. Read on.
3. TOO MUCH, TOO SOON
You’re motivated, you’re excited, you just toured a new gym so you commit to 5 days a week for 1 hour workout to get those 6-pack abs. DON’T!
If you are coming from a mostly sedentary lifestyle to working out 5 days a week for 1 hour for example, you increase the chances of getting injured!
Slow and steady wins the race. Give your body and mind time to adapt to a new schedule. Follow through on maybe 3 days a week for 30-45 minutes (as an example) and see how your body, mind, and schedule perform to this new lifestyle.
2. UNREALISTIC GOALS
You want to gain 15 lbs of muscle in 1 month, or lose 10% body fat in less than 2 months, or maybe you want to run a marathon by the Spring, these are great goals but you may set yourself up for failure.
To setup realistic goals you have to 1) be honest with yourself on where you are 2) setup smaller attainable goals
A great goal when starting out is to simply SHOW UP to your workouts for 1 whole month. If you acheived this feat NOW consider the intensity and duration of your workouts - see if you can increase what you’ve been doing to get closer to your goal.
1. NOT PLANNING
One of the biggest shocks that comes to my PT clients is how much TIME they need to commit to their wellness practices
We are all very busy and it’s easy to skip our workouts/yoga practice/runs etc. because “we didn’t have time”. Newsflash: no one does!
You are what you spend your time on - you will have to make time to acheive your goals.
The best way to make time is to SCHEDULE YOUR WORKOUTS & PLAN AHEAD (pack gym bag day before, get protein shake ready to go etc)
Check out this blog post for some tips on building a new habit.
HIRE A PERSONAL TRAINER
Not just any personal trainer, find one that truly cares and is invested in your success. A good PT will:
dramatically increase accountability
lend their support
ensure you are physically ready for different exercises
teach good form & correct your form
increase safety
promote self-efficacy
schedule your workouts (if you hired them to do so)
be invested in your success!
Not sure if you’re ready to hire a PT or want more information about online personal training? Schedule a free 20-minute consultation with me on Calendly.
