I was chatting to a client this morning between sets and he mentioned how he’s been encouraging his wife to take up some gym training.
She’s not the most motivated potential gym customer however.
It’s a common byproduct of the convenience lifestyle we’re blessed with. If you don’t want to be active you really can avoid it.
It’s easier to curl up on the sofa!
But as we know, not exercising is an invitation for all the sedentary lifestyle associated ailments. I’ve written aplenty on the subject of longevity and health outcomes of exercise, so I’ll not dig in deeper here.
As he’s (the client) getting closer to successfully having his wife visit the gym all the wee excuses are peeking out!
“I’ve not got a gym bag, I’ll have to leave it”. Now that’s a great excuse haha.
I’ve heard some classic excuses over the years from lacking the footwear, it’ll take too long, “I don’t want to sweat”, “I need to get fit before starting the gym / PT”!
My advice that I’ll probably offer in most of these situations is to only do things of interest or fun(ish) to start with.
Change is hard, really hard and feeling physically uncomfortable on purpose to boot, is very uncomfortable and goes against the very nature of being a living entity. Surviving is a natural instinct and undertaking unnecessary physical exertion is not. Exercise whether in a gym or other, is just a simple replacement for the physical lifestyle we evolved to undertake, foraging, hunting, building, being social etc.
But the endorphin rush after surviving a physical effort is always worth it. It feels good to feel good, and satisfyingly completing a physical task from gardening, a good walk or a strength training session; feels good.
Add in partaking in movements that are enjoyable plus the post survival rush…. Surely this is a winning factor to help path the way to a healthier lifestyle.
Other options to making the start easier may include:
- Start with a short session. Even 15 minutes 2-3 times a week is a super start.
- Just turn up. Putting on a brave face and just showing up to the gym, no agenda, no plan; just start playing on whatever equipment you feel like. This ‘keep it simple’ approach may help build a habit of just turning up before even thinking of a more detailed program.
- Hire a professional. I’m biased I know, but hiring a trainer even for two to three sessions might help you understand what you need to know, need to do and take any concerns away that may be lingering in your head.
- Online training could be a good fit provided exercising at home, in the spare room or garage is an appropriate and reasonable idea.
- An overarching idea for a beginner is also this – take it easy. Not lazy, just practice each movement to a reasonable level of exertion. Forget ‘no pain, no gain’. Practicing the skills of strength and fitness have better longevity than an all out battle.
Let me throw down a wee summary. I know change is hard and sometimes the voices in our head argue the should vs the could scenario.
I’ve helped thousands of people make a start with simple solutions.
I’m here to help.
Get in touch and let me know the thoughts your having
