5 things to try before quitting the gym

Remember that goal you set at the beginning of the year? The one about hitting the gym regularly and getting fit in 2017. How’s it going so far?

If you’re anything like me, ‘not great’ would be the answer to that last question. I completely dropped the ball on that resolution somewhere around the middle of the month and haven’t been to the gym in weeks.

It was easy to fit in workouts when the hype surrounding the new year was pushing me to be and do better. But as the days turned into weeks and real life started getting in the way, it was even easier to just forget about getting fit and try again next year.

Sound familiar?

If it does, I totally get where you’re coming from. I’ve been there. Hell, I am there right now. But the truth is, we all made those resolutions to get fit this year for one reason or another. And I don’t know about you, but I am not ready to give up just yet.

5 tips to help you stick with your fitness goals

1. Commit to less days per week

Going from little to no physical activity, to hitting the gym everyday is exhausting. A gruelling pace like that will burn you out and have you wanting to quit in no time, if it hasn’t already.

Instead, try cutting down to two or three days a week and introduce fitness into your life a little slowly. Give yourself time to recover between workouts and eventually you’ll be able to work up to a more intense schedule.

2. Invest in personal training

When I first started working out at GoodLife Fitness I had no idea what I was doing. I just knew I wanted to change and see results as quick as possible.

Over time, I’ve learned that there’s no secret or quick fix to getting fit but having a personal trainer can definitely help. I only had a trainer for a couple of months but he kept me motivated and accountable and didn’t let me quit even when I wanted to. And that drive to workout stayed with me for months after we stopped working together.

3. Get a gym buddy

If you can’t afford or just don’t want to pay for a personal trainer, a gym buddy is the next best thing. I’ve spoken about the importance of finding a good gym buddy before, so I won’t get into a lot of detail now. But if you want the Spark’s Notes version about why you should, here it is.

Most people need some outside accountability when it comes to going to the gym. Sure you know you should work out but as you’ve probably learned, it’s all to easy to find excuses not to go. However, it’s a lot harder to let someone else down so you and your gym buddy will push each other to stay on track. Plus, it’s always more fun to workout when you have someone there with you.

4. Try something different

I really enjoy lifting weights but I know that not everyone is a fan. And that’s okay. If that’s not your thing why not try a group fitness class or maybe pick up something like squash, swimming, running or rowing?

Most gyms offer loads of other options besides the weights, you just have to take the time to figure out what you enjoy. Once you do, it’ll be a lot easier to stay motivated.

5. Remember your ‘why’

This one sounds like such a cop out but the truth is, half the battle of staying fit is a mental one. The previous four tips won’t do you a lick of good unless you actually make the decision to get to the gym and give one or more of them a try.

So my biggest piece of advice to you – and myself – is to remember why you wanted to get fit in the first place. Keep that reason in the forefront of you mind and let it help you overcome the desire to quit. Because, honestly, you’re going to need that reminder again and again on this journey to fitness.

Need more motivation?

This post was written as part of the GoodLife Fitness Blogger Ambassador Program; however all opinions expressed are my own.