When people start a journey, they need a destination. When they do not have one, then they are liable to be found wandering, lost and in need of direction. Wanting a healthy lifestyle is exactly the same. If you do not know what it is you want from the gym before you join, you are likely to end up as a statistic – a member who never goes, yet continues to pay every month and is not sure why. Someone who had good intentions but got a little confused.
So, perhaps in the first instance, you may want to try a gym day pass at a gym near you, when you only pay when you attend, or a flexible gym membership, whereby you can come and go without the full commitment of an annual subscription.
But it isn’t always the plan that you sign up for at the gym that matters, it is the plan that you set for yourself, your fitness plan, your goals and ambitions. Picking the right plan and establishing objectives before you “sign-up” is much more important. Here are some tips to help you decide which direction to take:
- The Right Plan
Which plan is the right plan? The answer is easy – the one that you will commit to and will follow. If you want to run a marathon, then pick a plan designed for running, likewise if you want to lose weight, pick a weight loss/exercise plan. Trying various exercises and routines out beforehand, perhaps with a gym day pass, will help you decide what is best suited, but you have to decide which outcome you want from the effort you invest.
- Happiness
If you are not happy, then you are not going to stick with any routine. This doesn’t mean that it should be easy, but subjecting yourself to exercise that is not enjoyable or inspiring will put you off all exercise long before you see the benefits. Enjoy it, have fun, get involved, and if you do, then you will less likely see it as some sort of punishment for past poor judgments in your lifestyle choices.
- Healthy Lifestyle
Being healthy need not be overly hard, and it is a reward for the efforts and sacrifices that you make from day to day. Over time, however, these will feel less like punishments and more “normal”. Do not see something as a diet, or an exercise, see it as a lifestyle change, that way, you won’t feel like you’re missing out. Before long, exercise will be the norm, and treats will be just that, a treat, and one that is no longer classed as a “guilty pleasure”. Enjoy your new lifestyle and freedom.
- Feel Good
You will feel good. Yes, of course, you will face times of uncertainty, but knowing that you are investing in yourself through a healthy lifestyle will be a reward in itself. Feeling fitter and healthier will boost your self-esteem and confidence too.
- Wants & Goals
As you continue on the journey, re-evaluate your wants and goals and if something isn’t working or you have a new objective, embrace the change, refocus on a new target. You may start out wanting to lose weight and end up wanting to run a marathon. Maintain a dynamic flexibility in your lifestyle, do not be too rigid.
If you are even thinking about change, it is likely you need one. So sit down, focus, and evaluate where you are now, where you wish to be and the best means of achieving that destination. Consider the journey an investment, but one that is never set in stone. Things will happen and minds and change, but be bold enough to take risks, and face adversity. The rewards will amaze you.
