How To Keep Your Gym New Year's Resolution
Start writing a post
Health and Wellness

How To Keep Your Gym New Year's Resolution

Let's all be honest: cardio sucks.

52
How To Keep Your Gym New Year's Resolution

It’s almost time to start the New Year which means it’s also time to think about your New Year’s Resolution. Like most people, you’ve probably chosen to get more fit in 2017, which is great! The problem is that, also for most people, there’s a good chance that this resolution won’t make it to February. If you really want to make a habit out of going to the gym, this list will help you do it.

1. Buy a gym membership


This might seem obvious, but it is also crucial! Even if you have access to a free gym in your neighborhood, apartment building or even at your college, you should not skip this step. First of all spending money on a membership

will guilt you into using it. If you don't go, you're wasting your money and this will help motivate you. Secondly, most free gyms don't have enough equipment to help you develop as a frequent gym member. This will limit you to some cardio and a few weighted exercises whereas a normal gym will not only have more tools for you but also more space to work out.

2. Get cute and comfortable athletic clothing


When you look good, you feel good. This is also true with athletic wear which means some new clothing could encourage you to go to the gym if only so you can show it off! Feeling good in the gym will reinforce positive feelings at the gym, so you'll be more likely to keep your resolution all year long (and hopefully beyond that).

3. Lift Weights

Let's all be honest: cardio sucks. But if you're trying to lose weight, cardio burns fat and is therefore necessary. However, it shouldn't be the only thing you do at the gym. If you're trying to tone weight lifting, with the help of cardio, is the way to go. The free weight section may seem daunting to some girls who don't want to bulk up, but don't be fooled! Bulky men and women have worked extremely hard to become that way through their training regimen and diet. You won't wake up with bulging biceps just because you do bicep curls a couple of times a week. If you really want to tone, a healthy balance of weight training and cardio will do the trick.

4. Choose your training split


It gets boring when you do the same six machines at the gym everyday. Plus, it's not really great for your muscles either. Make sure decide how to split up your muscle groups so you don't work the same ones everyday. One of the more popular splits for beginners is to divide your muscles by body parts. For example: arms, shoulders, legs, chest, back. This way, your arm muscles have four days to rest before its time to work them out again. Another common option is the "Push, Pull, Legs" method. This system divides your workouts by the excercise itself. If a movement requires you to pull, like a bicep curl, you would do it on the same day as a deadlift, which requires you to pull a weighted barbell up from the ground. Push days normally include shoulder and bench pressing and most tricep excercises. Having a workout split is not only good for your muscles, but it also helps keep you from getting bored in the gym because you have different muscles to hit every day.

5. Make a plan


The worst feeling in the gym is not knowing what you're doing. So, after you've chosen your split, figure out what you're going to do that day. If you're hitting legs, make sure you know enough exercises to keep you busy and always have backups! The squat racks are not always available, so you might be waiting around for them. Make sure that time is put to use with other workouts. Bodybuilding.com is a great resource and you can screenshot the pictures on their website to double check your form compared to the demonstrators on the website. If you know how you want to workout, you avoid any awkward feelings of just standing around and, on top of that, you look like a pro.

6. Try not to feel self-conscious


As a first-time gym member, most people feel like they're being judged by everyone else so much that they can't even focus on their workout. While this is a common feeling, it's also not true. Everyone at the gym is trying to better themselves, just like you. While you may think the buff guy at the benchpress is staring at you, it's more likely that he's staring at himself in the mirror. Gyms tend to be judgement-free (and not just Planet Fitness). But while some people may complain that the squat rack is taken or there are no free benches because of the "Resolutioners," the only way to prove that you aren't also a resolutioner is to keep coming back all year long.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
the beatles
Wikipedia Commons

For as long as I can remember, I have been listening to The Beatles. Every year, my mom would appropriately blast “Birthday” on anyone’s birthday. I knew all of the words to “Back In The U.S.S.R” by the time I was 5 (Even though I had no idea what or where the U.S.S.R was). I grew up with John, Paul, George, and Ringo instead Justin, JC, Joey, Chris and Lance (I had to google N*SYNC to remember their names). The highlight of my short life was Paul McCartney in concert twice. I’m not someone to “fangirl” but those days I fangirled hard. The music of The Beatles has gotten me through everything. Their songs have brought me more joy, peace, and comfort. I can listen to them in any situation and find what I need. Here are the best lyrics from The Beatles for every and any occasion.

Keep Reading...Show less
Being Invisible The Best Super Power

The best superpower ever? Being invisible of course. Imagine just being able to go from seen to unseen on a dime. Who wouldn't want to have the opportunity to be invisible? Superman and Batman have nothing on being invisible with their superhero abilities. Here are some things that you could do while being invisible, because being invisible can benefit your social life too.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

19 Lessons I'll Never Forget from Growing Up In a Small Town

There have been many lessons learned.

71159
houses under green sky
Photo by Alev Takil on Unsplash

Small towns certainly have their pros and cons. Many people who grow up in small towns find themselves counting the days until they get to escape their roots and plant new ones in bigger, "better" places. And that's fine. I'd be lying if I said I hadn't thought those same thoughts before too. We all have, but they say it's important to remember where you came from. When I think about where I come from, I can't help having an overwhelming feeling of gratitude for my roots. Being from a small town has taught me so many important lessons that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

Keep Reading...Show less
​a woman sitting at a table having a coffee
nappy.co

I can't say "thank you" enough to express how grateful I am for you coming into my life. You have made such a huge impact on my life. I would not be the person I am today without you and I know that you will keep inspiring me to become an even better version of myself.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

133067
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments