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Monday, October 10, 2011

Thoughts about Fitness

Considering my previous post was about sweets, I suppose it's fitting that my next one be about fitness. This is by no means going to be any sort of guide, I'm no fitness expert nor do I pretend to be. In fact I'm pretty much a novice, I've only been going a matter of months and do so unfortunately without a personal trainer or professional help. I don't compete in any sports, it's just an effort to try and improve myself.

I fear falling into a lifestyle where I don't have the energy or motivation to do anything except go get that next bit of comfort food. (Luckily for me I dislike most dessert foods). Perhaps you feel the same way, or perhaps you're already in such a situation. Getting stuck in a bad lifestyle is (to many people's demise) unfortunately way too easy, and it can happen before you realize it. Easy to happen, but hard to escape.

It takes a level of dedication above the average human being's capability to change yourself for the better. That doesn't mean you can't do it though, I believe (almost) anyone can if they put in the effort. It's definitely harder for some than it is for others, but it's a difficult process for all of us. It helps to have strong reasons for your own changing process, to do so with no reason will make you give up at a moment's notice.

Maybe there's weight you need to lose to make your life easier, or maybe you want to beef up so you can protect the people you love should they ever need it. Or maybe you just want to push yourself to your limits. There are many great reasons to improve yourself, but it's up to you to realize the importance and act on it.

If you do go to the gym or are thinking about going, there are a couple of things I recommend. First, that you go with a partner. This isn't required, but there are benefits. You can keep each other motivated if one of you are feeling lazy; by yourself you'd be likely to just skip that day. A partner can also spot you if you're attempting to lift heavier weights, so you're less likely to hurt yourself. I'm sure you can find a random friendly person at the gym to help out, but it's more comfortable if it's someone you know.

Second, take an mp3 player so you can listen to music while you workout. This isn't as important, but it's something that definitely helps me out. You're more likely to push yourself if you're listening to one of your favorite songs. Music can pump you up and help you get through the difficult machines.

As for don'ts, don't bite off more than you can chew with weights. There's nothing shameful about having a limit, everyone does. Trying to lift more than you're capable will just hurt you more than help you. Stick with a bit more than you're comfortable with each time though so your muscles will grow.

Don't make fun of people at the gym who look like they don't belong, everyone is there for self-improvement. Mocking that is just taking a dump on the idea of progress.

That's all for now, thanks for reading. If you have any funny gym stories, feel free to share them.

11 comments:

  1. heh you got it 100% right on what to do on going to gym, I do all these and they make the workout the best thing ever :)

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  2. you got it spot on. love it when the lunk alarm goes off at planet fitness. the grunters get so embarrassed

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  3. I do not work out because I don't have anyone to do it with. Once I find someone I should be fine about going to the gym. MP3 is a good idea too since music that you like will pump you up.
    Good Tips.

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  4. Definitely good advice. I can run almost three times as long with my ipod on me.

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  5. Well, i hate how foods are like "Its good but is bad!" Like gaining weight for eating something! Man, i guess i should go to the gym more.

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  6. Interesting blog! :D

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  7. I need to lose about 50 pounds.. This could help I just gotta learn to listen!

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  8. I regularly go to the gym nowadays and this is very helpful advice.

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  9. Haven't been to a gym in years, I just haven't had the time.

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  10. Absolutely agree with the weights, don't fell embarrassed doing a small amount. everyone at the gym was at that point one time in their life as well. just keep at it.

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