You’ve done it. You’ve decided it’s time to implement some type of fitness routine into your busy schedule. And that is a huge step! Unfortunately, that is only one piece of the puzzle.
Where will you go? What do your local gyms have to offer? Will you invest in a personal trainer or will you go solo and wing it? Will you take classes or will you lift weights and use equipment? Will you go alone or with a friend? Will you know anyone there?
These are just a few of the questions we begin asking ourselves when we consider purchasing a gym membership. And if you’re anything like me, the list can grow quickly and become quite overwhelming.
Take a deep breath.
First of all, let’s establish your “why.” Why have you decided to become a healthier version of yourself? It’s possible you’ve spoken with a physician and it’s’ been recommended for true health reasons. Maybe you are looking to increase your energy, reduce stress, lose weight or improve your quality of sleep. Perhaps you just want to feel “better” and the gym seems like a good place to start.
All of these, and many more, are great reasons to pursue a healthier lifestyle.
However, at the end of the day, you have to want the change. It will be your commitment, dedication and willingness to learn and grow that will bring you results.
Now that you’ve determined your “Why,” you’ll need to pick your “Where!”
Do your research. Find local gyms and studios in your area that are open the hours you need. Maybe you’d like a 24 hour gym that is accessible at any time. Perhaps you’d like to take part in group training sessions but are only available evenings.
After you’ve narrowed down what facilities would work for you, go tour them. Bring a list of questions with you and don’t be shy about asking them. Speak with office staff,
coaches/trainers and if you can, speak to the members! The members are a true reflection of the facility.
While you are touring locations and speaking to people, avoid signing any agreements or contracts. You don’t want to be locked into anything permanent until you’ve completed your research and made your final decision.
After you’ve done all your research, completed tours and received as many reviews as possible, it’s time to make your choice! This is so exciting and brings you to the next step. Getting into the gym and getting one step closer to a healthier you.
Walking through the doors of your new gym can often be the most intimidating of all the steps you’ve taken so far. This is a foreign place with unfamiliar faces. A place where you will feel new, raw and perhaps even vulnerable. Don’t let fear stop you! Remind yourself that everyone around you took their first steps though those same doors at some point. While we all have our own “why,” the reason for doing what we are doing, our end goal of an overall improvement in our health, is the same.
So, put on an outfit that makes you feel good! Something that makes you feel strong and capable! Because you are!
As you take your last first steps through those doors, take a deep breath and hold your head high. You should be very proud of yourself for getting here. You’ve taken all the necessary steps to finding yourself the perfect space to put in the work and start seeing results. And if you ever start to stray or doubt yourself, go back to your “why,” the true reason you began this journey to begin with. Let that center you, and keep going. Because you are absolutely worth it!
Submitted by Kara Krieger of Prescott Fit Body Boot Camp