I really need to start going back to the gym. I haven’t been since those back problems started in July—other than two very short, half-hearted attempts—and every time I tell myself I’ll go after work, it somehow never happens. My orthopedist has encouraged me to ease back into it, but good intentions and actual follow-through don’t always line up, especially when your couch keeps whispering sweet nothings.
I had enjoyed working out… though I’ll admit that might have had a little something to do with my very cute trainer at the time. He showed me what to do, corrected my posture, kept me motivated—and now he’s no longer a trainer, which leaves me feeling a bit intimidated. Without someone there to guide me, I’m suddenly aware of how little I really know about what to do at the gym.
Planet Fitness’s app has videos and instructions for all their machines—upper body, core, lower body, plus whatever I choose for cardio (let’s be honest, it will be the treadmill). I could absolutely follow a routine from that. The problem is less about knowledge and more about confidence, or maybe inertia. I keep telling myself that if I could get into a rhythm again, I’d probably enjoy it. But step one is, annoyingly, simply making myself go.
And let’s be honest: the eye candy is definitely a motivator. Gyms always have eye candy. Unfortunately, it’s also the eye candy that makes me feel intimidated—like everyone else knows exactly what they’re doing while I’m still figuring out which way to face on a machine. It’s hard to look confident when your inner monologue is, “Does this adjust up? Down? Am I about to embarrass myself?”
I need to check whether they’ve hired a new trainer and, if so, get on their schedule. I think having someone there who actually knows what they’re doing would help me feel a lot less lost.
I’m off work tomorrow. I have a meeting—one I’m both excited about and nervous about. For once, it’s something I don’t want to talk about yet. Depending on how it goes, I may share more later. What I am hoping, though, is that after the meeting I’ll be able to ride that momentum straight to the gym. Optimism versus intimidation… we’ll see who wins.
Here’s hoping tomorrow brings clarity—and maybe the spark to get me back on the treadmill too.
7 comments:
"when your couch keeps whispering sweet nothings" or Isabella ?
When I first read it was “when your coach keeps whispering”. Had to reread it. Confidence man, confidence! When I used to go to the gym 3 or 4 times a week, I always went with a buddy or two from work. Try to find a like minded, out of shape guy to go with you. You’ll feel a lot better there. Promise.
Te comprendo José, yo siempre me he sentido ridículo en el gym y por ese motivo mi asistencia más larga fueron dos semanas. Nunca fui carne de gym, yo prefería caminar, correr y era lo que hacía: hacía rutas de montaña o corría por una pista, pero eso de sentarme en una de esas locas máquinas siempre hizo que me sintiera como un payaso en la pista central del gran circo... ¿Has probado a caminar y después nadar un poco en una piscina climatizada? La natación es el mejor ejercicio físico y encima moldea el cuerpo. Ánimo José.
Ángel
¡Olvidaba decir que AMO a esos dos hermosos chicos tanto el del vídeo como el de la foto en el gym! Son muy guapos.
Ángel
Slow but sure is the game plan. Don't worry about what others are thinking. Just do your thing. Be personable. You don't have to talk to anybody if you don't want to but do smile when making eye contact. Also, as you go regularly you will find others who go at the same time you do. Just stroll by and say hello. I did not say be a stalker. Just if you see the same folks regularly just say hi or smile. You may even have a gym buddy. Hell, I have a few guys in my gym who I don't know their names but when we see each other we wave, smile, or say hello. And that old sayin no pain, no gain is rubbish. Some folks overdo it so much that they are sore the next day and won't return for days. We want a weekly report. Don't have us fly out there.
Ugh. Same thoughts. Winter is here and I'm even more sedentary that usual. Planet Fitness is my best option, but I'm not motivated and I have all the same feelings you do. I wish we were close and could go together.
Adam, I too wish we were closer. I’d love to have a gym buddy. Having someone to go with makes it easier to go, plus if someone is expecting you, you’re not as likely to back out and not go.
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