Going to the gym is the first step to changing your life and reaching your fitness goals. But the first three months is without a doubt the hardest. This is when all of those changes will be happening. First you will be changing your daily routine, then you will have to change your mindset so that you can stay on track with your fitness goals and finally you will be changing your mindset so that you can stick with your new fitness routine for the rest of your life. And if all of these changes weren't enough, you will also be learning what the right exercises are for your body, how to use gym equipment, and what the right exercise routine for you will be.
If you are just starting to go to the gym, all of this can be very intimidating. Here are a few ways to make those first three months at the gym easier.
Be on the Lookout for Coupons
First, you want to look for coupons that you can find. These could be offers for a free trial period, a discounted session with a personal trainer, or even a weekend pass. The point is that you want to get some kind of special offer so that you will not have to worry about locking into a gym contract. This way if something goes wrong, you can always walk away .
Try to Find a Gym With A Personal Trainer
Secondly, you will want to find a good deal on a personal trainer. Having a personal trainer is the fastest way to find a workout and diet plan that will work for you. People who exercise with a personal trainer tend to see much better results than those who exercise on their own. Your trainer will not only give you a guided tour of the gym itself, but your sessions with them will likely be part of your gym membership, meaning that they will be there with you every step of the way during those first three months, (and longer if needed).
Together, you and your trainer will look at your goals, lifestyle, eating habits, and any challenges you might be facing. Once you have done all of that, your trainer will get to work helping you to meet your goals and overcome your challenges.
You might even be able to find a gym that will give you one free session with a personal trainer. This is a great way to see if you are comfortable with the trainer and if you feel like they can really help you to meet your goals. At the end of the session, the trainer will try to get you to sign up with them, but you are under no obligations to sign up with them if you don't feel like they can help you.
Look for Something that You Enjoy
Working out doesn't have to be hard. When it is hard you are more likely to give up and quit. Try to find exercises at the gym that are fun for you. For instance, some people like swimming, others like to dance, and others like to run. Think about a physical activity that you enjoy and then focus your workout around the same types of physical activity.
Have a Friend
People are always more successful when they have someone else to be accountable to. If you are trying to change your lifestyle, the easiest thing to do is find a friend who is also looking to make healthy changes. The two of you could workout together, keep track of each other's eating habits, and celebrate each other's weight loss progress. But the best thing about having a friend is that you will be able to support each other through any plateaus and struggles that come with changing your lifestyle.
Remember, the hardest thing about changing your lifestyle is those first three months. If you can get through that then your mind will start to look at your workout routines as a habit and it will be much easier for you to stay motivated at the gym. Those first three months are going to push you, challenge you, and change your life.