Think back to December 31st of last year. Or the year before. Perhaps the year before that too.
You made the decision: This upcoming year is your year. All those ads online confirmed it. “New Year, New You!” they proclaimed. Some of those gyms even promised you free pizza for $10 a month, so there’s that.
But where to start?! Google. Google will help.
You sat down and started searching: Gyms. Gyms in Indianapolis. Cheap gyms in Indianapolis. Cheap places to burn off 74 Christmas-tree-shaped Reeces Peanut Butter Cups in Indianapolis.
A Different Mindset.
What if we shifted our way of thinking about the gym we want to belong to? What if we stopped looking at what it’s going to cost us and instead, started looking at what we’re going to get? What if it isn’t about finding the cheapest way to say you’re a member of gym but instead making an investment in your health?
So how do you do that?
Start by simply doing some research. Here are five things to look for when finding the gym that fits you (A.K.A. where your results live):
Find a gym that wants to see you succeed. If you feel like a number (or worse, a dollar sign) from the moment you walk in the door, think of how that will translate into your full experience, from a customized fitness plan to celebrating your milestones in results.
Stop falling for fads. I just saw an infomercial the other day for the Booty Max. “Great booties are the rage, but squats and lunges are hard. Burn more calories in less workout time.” STOP IT. Any commercial or gym that promises you great results with minimal effort is prioritizing the dollar over an obesity epidemic AND lying to your face. Both are uncool. Admit to yourself that you’re going to have to put in some work. And that it’s not going to be easy, but it will be so worth it.
$10 isn’t an investment in your health. I have yet to meet a single person who has made real fitness strides at a place that charges $10 per month. But you get free pizza and I’m not sure how that gives you positive fitness results but I digress. Need further proof? While you’re Googling, go to images and type in “Planet Fitness memes.” You’re welcome.
Make sure your gym has workout options that you actually enjoy. For more on this, CLICK HERE.
Don’t do it alone. Take a look around at the gym you’re considering: Do people talk to each other? Is there a sense of community? Do they offer social/fun events outside of their fitness lineup? Is there an accountability program for you to be part of? There are plenty of studies showing that support communities (accountability, fitness in a group, etc) lead to better results, lower drop-out rates and increased success.
Start Today.
Hopefully this will give you a step in the right direction for next New Year, or even better: for right now. Why are you waiting?
I want you to succeed, whether that’s at Together We Rise Fitness or elsewhere. Be strong and pay it forward.
And while you’re Googling things, don’t forget to find a nice beach where you can plan your “fitness reward” vacation and show off your new muscles.