I've recently started going back to the gym this summer, with classes coming to a close I found myself with a lot of free time on my hands that I just didn't have in the fall. I decided to use that time to work on my health and my roommate and I have been dragging each other to the gym every day since.
You'll need to find some motivation
Starting is hard so you're going to need to find something that will get you out of the bed and into your sneakers. For me, it's knowing that I will get to cool off in the pool afterward. I am NOT allowed in the pool unless I've worked out that day, so far, it's been working.
Remember that it's okay if you can't do everything.
If your gym buddy is on the treadmill for 30 minutes and you can only do 10, that's okay! That's 10 minutes you weren't doing yesterday. The only person you need to be better than is yourself from the week before.
There is going to be one machine in the gym that seems to have it out for you
Get that one out of the way. The elliptical and I, we absolutely hate each other. I give it 10 minutes when I first walk into the gym and then we part ways, never to speak again until my next visit. I really hate that guy.
The people in the gym are not judging you
Don't pay attention to the people you see going crazy on the treadmill and doing things on the machines you couldn't imagine doing. This a hard one, but try to remember that they aren't judging you, they've been where you are. Everybody has had the "first day" at the gym. Keep your pace and do what works for you, if you get tired, take a break and drink some water. The most important thing is that you got up and went.
You actually do feel better
Knowing you were able to start a healthy habit and keep it up feels amazing! Don't take it for granted though, keep going back!
And remember, your progress is your own. As long as you feel good about yourself and the pace you've set that's all that matters, I promise.
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