Workout Wednesday- Feeling Like You Belong at the Gym

Strength. Dumbbells and kettlebell.

One of the hardest things about not only joining a gym, but consistently going, is feeling like you belong there. It is intimidating. So many fit or at least “thinner” people are there, or that’s what it seems like sometimes. Now let me tell you a little secret:

You belong there!

Everyone deserves to be at the gym, no matter their shape or size. Everyone has similar goals: to lose weight, to tone up, to strengthen their muscles. There might be a few who aren’t there for that reason, but nearly all are there to work on their fitness in some shape or form.

You belong anywhere in the gym that you paid for. Utilize it to its fullest potential and for whatever you need it for. Whenever you start to feel out of place, try this mantra: “I belong here. I deserve to be here just as much as anyone else.” This is really true, and repeating it helps until you feel like you truly belong there.

Cardio!

If you see someone fitter or thinner than you are, also repeat to yourself, “Everyone starts somewhere.” Those people had to start somewhere when they began their own journeys. Some didn’t need to lose a lot of weight, while others did, and you can’t tell just by looking at them. Keep that in mind whenever you feel intimidated because it’s the truth.

No one is born fit, and certainly no one is born knowing how to use the cardio or weight machines. They all had to learn how to use the gym equipment at some point. So remember, there is likely someone who has been where you are in the gym at any given point. Someone who started when they needed to lose weight or when they needed to build muscle, and are still working on it.

~Bonnie~

Steady Saturday- Consistency is Key

“Consistency is key”

We’ve all heard this saying at one point or another. It is certainly cliche but oh so true! The more you steadily work at something, the more progress you will make.

Trust me when I say this: stick with it and your hard work will pay off. I’ve seen this proven in my friends, family, and even myself. Don’t give up and you will see results.

Be persistent, be patient, and trust your process. Keep putting in the effort and doing what you feel is best for you and your life. Be honest with yourself each step of the way and adjust as needed, but always keep moving forward.

Remember that you don’t need to be perfect. In fact, no one is perfect. It may seem that way from the outside watching others, but we don’t know the struggles and inner battles that others face day in and day out. Trust your process only. Everyone’s journeys are different and we all progress at our own rates.

If you are consistent, then you will WIN! You will be successful. You may slip up here and there but that’s okay. Consistently building good habits will get you where you want or need to go.

~Bonnie~