It’s never too late to join the gym and January is one of the best times to get out of the home and enjoy some light exercise.
Although lifting weights might not be your ideal workout, many gyms offer a range of light and pleasant exercises that are ideal for those who want to enjoy a lighter and less strenuous time at the gym.
Getting motivated
Even people who go to the gym day after day sometimes find it hard to get motivated to head out and exercise.
There are however, many ways in which you can get yourself motivated and pumped up for it.
One of the many ways in which people find their incentive is by working out personal targets or rewards.
For example, some people treat themselves to a smoothie, or enjoy 10 minutes or so in a sauna after a workout.
When people do this, in theory, they are creating reward associations in their brain, which makes them believe that going to the gym is worthwhile, therefore increasing the odds of it becoming a habit.
Getting over nervousness
One of the most off-putting things about going to the gym is nerves.
A lot of the time people are afraid of being judged, making mistakes, or not being fit enough.
The truth however, is that there is very little to be afraid of, as people only focus on one thing in the gym — themselves.
For those just starting out, there are a variety of ways to get over gym nervousness:
- Try going at quieter times where you can be more comfortable in your own space
- Look out for beginner’s classes where you can meet people in the same situation
- Head out with a friend so you’ll feel less intimidated and you can learn together
- Research exercises you might enjoy so you’ll feel more confident when you get in
Otherwise, a lot of people tend to find that they can get into the swing of things with a little music, so a personal music player and some headphones can go a long way.
Finding the exercise for you
From swimming to aerobics, and yoga to the rowing machine, there are a plethora of activities and exercises catered for your own aims and needs.
You can judge what activities you might prefer from what you already enjoy while looking at a few other aspects.
For instance, by working out your fitness goals, how much time you can afford to spend in the gym, and any health considerations that might affect your experience, you can usually work out the best exercises for you.
Alternatives to the gym
Of course, the gym isn’t for everyone, and there is a variety of exercises and routines that you can enjoy outside or even in your own home.
Earlier in the year we talked about Nordic Walking, which is an exercise that involves walking that is guided by specially designed poles.
We’ve also previously discussed fitness for the over 50s in this handy little guide.
However you choose to exercise in the New Year, here at Damart we have a range of products to help you get into your stride, including ladies memory foam trainers and ladies sportswear.