1. It won’t be easy
Even if you’re not going to the gym to lose a significant amount of weight, it’s still going to be hard. You’ll need to learn to not stop when you run out of breath or when your arms feel like Jell-O. Remember it’s all mental. If you think you can, you will.
2. But it WILL be worth it
There is no better feeling than lying in bed after a good workout and a post-workout shower. Think about how great you’ll feel once you start seeing results. Sure, you might feel like you can’t do this any more right now, but remember that you can.
3. You won’t know what you’re doing
When you first start going to the gym, everything will be incredibly foreign. I recommend hopping on Google and YouTube to look up workout routines. This will help you become familiar with some of the equipment and you’ll gain some good techniques to implement into your own gym routine. If this isn’t really working for you, find someone that does know what they’re doing, like a friend or personal trainer.
4. Sometimes you’ll look silly
Pain and sweat do not look attractive. You’ll make funny faces so that you can keep running to reach that mile, and sometimes you’ll even make noises. Try to accept these things. They are not out of the ordinary.
5. No one is actually paying attention to you
Chances are you’re paying more attention to them than they are to you, and that’s only because you’re uncomfortable. People go to the gym to better themselves, not to judge the people around them. After all, how can you judge someone that is trying to improve their life one mile, one squat, one bicep curl at a time?
6. I seriously mean it, no one is paying attention
Do what you have to do.
7. WATER!
Make sure to always drink water when you work out. It is really important to always keep your body hydrated. This includes afterwards too!
8. Wear something you feel good in
Wear something that you know you won’t regret wearing to the gym. The last thing you want is to constantly have to keep pulling up your leggings or pushing up your bra strap. Invest some time (and money) in appropriate gym clothes that suit your tastes. It’ll help you a lot more than you think.
9. Don’t rely on your gym buddy
If you’re anything like me, a gym buddy seems like the perfect solution to gym awkwardness. The thing is that people have things to do, and more realistically, people quit. Try your very best to not rely on your gym buddy, because if they quit, so will you, and you should never quit!
10. Do it for you
Going to the gym is a big move. It takes up a lot of your time and, more importantly, energy. Do it because you want to and because you want to better yourself. Sure, you can use other people as motivation, but ultimately make sure that you are looking out for yourself first.
