So, you’ve joined a gym. Good work! Unfortunately, you’re only going to get results if you actually go.
But don’t stress – we chatted to Personal Trainer, Gabrielle Petterwood about how to make the most of your gym membership.
If you don't go to the gym, you're not going to get the results that you want. End of story.
Gabrielle Petterwood
She answered your burning gym-related questions, such as how often should you go to the gym and how to stay gym-motivated. And she provided some hacks on how to get into the right state of mind to make the most of your time and money.
There’s nothing more motivating than getting results. No one wants to slog it out if nothing changes. That’s why Gabrielle suggests you set clear goals to work toward.
Gym goals could be endurance related, they could focus on your energy levels or they might be about aspirational denim. Whatever works for you.
But how often should you go to the gym to reach these goals? Gabrielle suggests turning up – at the very least – twice a week to get the most out of your gym membership. If you’re not sure how much exercise to do to reach those goals, ask a trainer to help you out.
Turning up to the gym at least twice a week may help get the most out of your gym membership.
Hack 2 – create accountability
Not sure how to make yourself go to the gym? For many of us, external accountability may be a huge motivator.
It’s much easier to press snooze or choose TV when you’re the only person who knows your gym plans. But, if you’re meeting a gym buddy for a workout, or you have pre-booked into a group class, that’s some rock-solid external accountability right there.
Lean on external accountability factors to help motivate yourself to regularly attend the gym.
Hack 3 – reflect on your why
Knowing how to get back into going to the gym after an unplanned break – or a false start –may be tricky. But Gabrielle suggests it’s a good idea to reflect on your ‘why’ to get yourself into the right headspace.
Be honest with yourself.
“If you don't go to the gym, you're not going to get the results that you want. End of story,” she says.
Go on, book in a tough-love session and turn up for yourself.
Reflect on your ‘why’ to get yourself into the right headspace for going back to the gym.
Hack 4 – discover an activity you love
Find a workout at the gym that you love to do. If you loved ballet as a kid, sign up for a barre stretch class. If you enjoy the health benefits of running, find a great playlist and hit the treadmill.
“You want to go to the gym and have fun, or at least enjoy it somewhat,” says Gabrielle.
Find a workout at the gym that you love to do.
Hack 5 – find a gym buddy
Our last, and probably most effective, hack is to find a fun and motivating gym buddy.
Sure, there are fun ways to exercise by yourself. But training with a friend doesn’t just make it more enjoyable, it’s also a great way to create that outer accountability we mentioned earlier.
Not sure how to get a gym buddy? Gabrielle recommends asking around at the gym as sometimes they have programs that match people with each other.
Find a fun and motivating gym buddy to keep you accountable.
Gabrielle Petterwood is a Personal Trainer with a holistic approach to fitness, nourishing the body with fresh foods and living a healthy and balanced lifestyle to realise full body health.
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