Gym thoughts...

A friend of mine was asking me for some advice about going to the gym. She says she wants to start going but is afraid she will get bored with it after a week or so and it will be a waste of money. So I talked about what keeps me at the gym, and keeps me from getting burn out. Here are a few pointers:

one. Set goals. Be specific. "I want to squat 100 lbs by March 31st." "I want to do 5 double unders by March 20th." Goals need to have a who, what, and when. (They can have a where and why too, if you want). When you set specific goals, you hold yourself accountable for what you do in the gym. It gives you motivation to keep going and to work harder every day.

two. Have a plan. Don't go to the gym thinking, I'll just figure it out when I get there. Or I'll do five legs and five arms. Buy a notebook, or planner, and plan your work outs. Specific lifts, movements, or distances. How many sets, reps, or miles. By having a gym "to do" list, it makes going a lot more time efficient and you aren't just roaming around trying to figure out what to do today. A good website to use is Livestrong. They have tons of 3, 5, and 7 day work out plans for men and women.
And if I ever get bored with my routine, I'll just pop into a class like RPM, step aerobics, or Body Combat for some variety.

three. Have a partner. Having a partner is one of the best things to do if you are just starting to work out. When you work out with a partner, you have someone else to hold you accountable. When I first started going, I went with Derek every day. Now, we don't always go at the same time. But knowing that we both go helps a lot. Cause if he went and I didn't, I would feel really bad about it and vice versa.

four. Know your equipment. Don't know the proper squat technique? What exactly is a double under? Wondering how to use a machine? Almost all facilities offer a free training session with a membership. Even if its not free, it is still a good investment to utilize a personal trainer for a few days if you've never worked out before. Or if you have a good friend that has worked out and knows their stuff, call them up to help you. Fortunately, I learned proper technique when I was in high school, and Derek is also a gym know it all so I didn't have to use a trainer. Either way, be sure you know what you're doing because lifting or doing an exercise wrong could lead to serious injury.

Now, here's some things that float through my little brain while I'm at the gym:

Yes, I just caught you staring at my butt.

Am I making too much noise?

No, I don't need you to lift those plates for me.

I think my boobs are going to slap me in the face. (Attempting double unders)

Maybe if I grunt harder I can lift more.

Did I lock the door when I left?

After random guy comments on my lack of iPod:
I should start listening to music so I can just act like I don't hear people talking to me.

I don't have pockets for an iPod...

If I run 2 miles I can have chick fil a.

No, you have sweet potatoes at home.

He needs a bigger shirt.

Man boobs, gross.

Dude, really, stop staring at my butt.

How does she squat so much?

Whoops, sorry for staring, promise I'm not a lesbian.

Instead of Chick Fil A I can have Zoe's.

Nah I can make a salad at home.

Is it me, or did somebody fart. Definitely you, crazy eyes. Stop looking so weird, everyone does it.

Including me, 'scuse me.

I could kill for a pizza.

'I'm sexy and I know it... wiggle wiggle wiggle wiggle YEAH'

Wait, was that out loud?


Hope you're all having a fabulous Hump Day!