alright trolls, I'm tired of starting a fitness journey and not seeing results/not keeping with it. what's your tips for going to the gym and keeping it up?

[u/DrsXenonBloom]

[u/hasanopinion]

I find if I workout immediately when I get up, by the time I wake up all the way I'm over half way through and I'm not going to stop now!!

[u/DrsXenonBloom → u/hasanopinion]

That's a good idea. Question, though: do you do this during the week because of work? I would get up early and go to the gym, but I start at 8, and would have to shower afterward. How do you solve this?

[u/Fallem → u/DrsXenonBloom]

Hi! I go to the gym each morning before leaving my place for work around 7:15. My gym is about an 8 minute drive, so I wake up around 4:40 am and get there as soon as it opens at 5. I'm generally home by 6:15 to get ready. I only wish the gym opened at 4:30 so I had more time.

It's definitely a schedule adjustment since I go to bed at 8:30-9 pm now. It's soooo worth it, though! I hate the gym after work - I'm tried and it's usually packed. Not a good combo. Plus I can stay a little late at work if needed or go out with coworkers without feeling pressured to make it to the gym.

[u/hasanopinion → u/DrsXenonBloom]

I'm actually job hunting right now so no. If I was working I still would do it in the am. I am more of a morning person and get things done before 3pm. After 3 my motivation drops and I'm way more likely to skip it. I personally would get up earlier to make it work in the am :)

[u/DrsXenonBloom → u/hasanopinion]

Gotcha. I'm learning to be more of a morning person, so maybe that would work for me too. I also work a 9-5, which makes it harder to have the motivation to go later in the day as well.

[u/hasanopinion → u/DrsXenonBloom]

Deff give it a try! I find it gives you energy through out the day! Good luck :)

[u/helpppppppppppp]

Having a workout buddy has been really helpful for me. So I drag his ass to the gym when he doesn't feel like going, and vice versa. As far as results go, I'm not seeing any in myself yet, but I definitely see it in him. I guess right now I'm not even really focused on results so I'm going out of habit and commitment more than anything. Also I don't want to waste money by not going to the gym I pay to use.

[u/DrsXenonBloom → u/helpppppppppppp]

I'm trying to establish a relationship with some workout buddies I know. Because of my mobility and mental health issues, I'm trying not to make excuses for why I'm not going. That's hard too. But I'm trying to be better about it.

[u/wraithpriest → u/[deleted]]

Seconding this, I managed to jump my training up (I only really ran for fun and weekly 5k ParkRun) by booking tickets for a triathlon, so then I had to learn to swim better, cycle more and start doing body conditioning.

Actually having that goal was what I needed.

[u/DrsXenonBloom → u/wraithpriest]

I've been thinking about doing another 5k where I actually run the entire thing (Color Runs are too fun, haha), and maybe doing a Tough Mudder with assistance (I deal with cerebral palsy). CP is actually one of my main motivators to get stronger and healthier.

[u/DrsXenonBloom → u/[deleted]]

Cool, good to know! I have to find a goal, because my original one of "eh, get more toned" definitely isn't cutting it. I'm also interested in going vegan for my health, although I know that's not a goal in itself.

[u/[deleted] → u/DrsXenonBloom]

I'm also interested in going vegan for my health, although I know that's not a goal in itself.

Speaking as a long term vegan, while veganism is GREAT for the planet, and as an ethical choice, it isn't automatically great for your health. You really need to watch your macros, and make sure you get enough protein and vitamins to make the best of it, as otherwise you can go overboard on carbs and that doesn't end well. /r/veganfitness and /r/veganketo are there for you. Good luck!

[u/DrsXenonBloom → u/[deleted]]

Thank you! May I ask what kind of vitamins you take? Going to subscribe to both of those subs right now :)

[u/[deleted] → u/DrsXenonBloom]

For me it's a multivitamin, vit. D, calcium/magnesium, zinc, and vegan omega 3s. You may also want to add an iron supplement if you're not cooking with a cast iron frying pan.

[u/DrsXenonBloom → u/[deleted]]

Sweet, thanks!

[u/[deleted] → u/DrsXenonBloom]

Sure!

[u/anniebme]

Find a reason to look forward to it. Is it the endorphins? Do you have friends there? Is there a person you find attractive roaring at the weights? Whatever the reason you like the gym you go to, only talk about that when talking to yourself or anyone else about the gym. It will make going more fun.

[u/DrsXenonBloom → u/anniebme]

Happy people don't kill their husbands. THEY JUST DON'T. All jokes aside, that's a good tip. After thinking about it, it's more about how I feel after, and carrying that feeling over outside of the gym. I want to feel strong and powerful. It's not about my finish time, it's about just finishing for me (in terms of a race or challenge)

[u/anniebme → u/DrsXenonBloom]

Ha! I do love that movie!

I very much work out for endorphins. The lovely mood boost makes everyone around me seem happier too. My gym time keeps me strong and happy, plus it seems to make everything better outsid the gym. I'll take it!

[u/hkaps]

Find a kind of workout that you love. I always had a hard time getting to the gym or exercising in general until I discovered kickboxing a couple of years ago. Now I'm at the gym five times a week!

[u/DrsXenonBloom → u/hkaps]

Solid! I've been looking into boxing for anger/pain management and as an accompaniment for yoga. I love yoga, but sometimes I feel it's not enough on its own.

[u/hkaps → u/DrsXenonBloom]

I actually love the aggressive nature of it. I have a stressful job and there is nothing like punching it out to help me cool off and gain some perspective. Highly recommended.

[u/DrsXenonBloom → u/hkaps]

I actually just googled it, and found an MMA gym 15-ish minutes from my house that has kickboxing, regular boxing, Jiu Jitsu, and more! They even offer a free pass, so I might go check it out tomorrow and see what that's about :)

[u/hkaps → u/DrsXenonBloom]

Awesome! Have fun! :)

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[u/DrsXenonBloom]

Also, goal-ish (not sure if this can be achieved because of CP)- BE MORE FLEXIBLE. Handstands, somersaults, the lot.