Building a Workout Habit: A Beginner's Gym Journey
Daily · Published 2/15/2024 ·
Working Out, Now a Habit
Since late last year I’ve been trying to build an exercise habit, and these days it’s finally becoming one. I wake up and just go work out. I bought a membership at a gym near my office and use that, and on days I’m not going into the office I use the gym in my apartment building. I start with an iced americano, and once I’ve finished it partway through I top the cup up with water and drink another round while I work out — about an hour to an hour and a half. Maybe it’s just in my head, but even though I’ve only been doing weight training, cycling feels less tiring too, and even after skipping four or five days I don’t get that feeling of suddenly putting on weight. Exercise is clearly turning into a real, important plus for my body.
Versa Gripps PRO, Large Size
Bought with my own money. As a gym beginner with weak forearms, these grips have been a huge help. Before I knew better, I assumed they were something the pros used, but after trying them I realized they’re actually even better for beginners. They keep your forearms from giving out first and cutting your back workout short. If your wrists are above average, go for the large.
Keep the Weight Reasonable!
Honestly, I was taught that the whole point of weight training is to overload the body with heavy weight so it changes. But none of that matters if you can’t keep it up. Since I’ll basically be exercising for the rest of my life, I take it slow and use moderate weights — a level where I can do 20 reps for 4–5 sets. Even this has its ups and downs; some days I can do a bit more, and other days I barely scrape through 3 sets. Not counting warm-up sets, 4 sets of 20, plus one more set when I’m feeling good — that’s been easier on the body and worked well for me. My trainer’s advice was that the more of a beginner you are, the more you should let go of any ego about the weight.
The Environment You Train In Matters Too!
Whenever you don’t really know what you’re doing, you need a lot of help from those around you. Weight training does eventually move toward free weights (no special equipment, just your own body). Me, I’ve got a weak core, a herniated disc, bad knees… honestly not many parts of me are in good shape, and my willpower’s weak too. I think that early on it helps to lean on machines, build up some enjoyment, and get inspired watching the more advanced folks around you. I signed up for this gym on a whim, and somehow I’m already coming up on my fourth month. For the first year I’m using a place with good facilities and good parking, and once the membership runs out I’m thinking about switching to somewhere near home. Apartment gyms are barely maintained, so they’re hard to actually train in ^^;;
These days I’m working out at least three times a week. Whether it’s cardio or anaerobic weight work, the thing I feel from exercising three-plus times a week is this: the body doesn’t lie. As my body fat and muscle ratios gradually cross over each other, the stamina, strength, and endurance that come out of it are helping with every part of my life. I’m going to keep this up and get ready for a flat-bellied 40s — and 50s too.
Thank you.
#HammerStrings #HammerStrength #WeightTraining #DietInYour40s #ExerciseHabit #FastedGym #FastedWorkout
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