Turning over a new fitness leaf

Attempting to lose weight is a tricky thing. You feel compelled to tell people so you have something to be accountable to, but then you feel like a failure when you can’t stick with your goals. But if you don’t say anything to anyone, it’s so easy to skip the gym once, twice, forever, and order pizza for the second time in three days. On top of that, weight loss culture is everywhere. Blogs, magazines, cookbooks, the fact that we should be trying harder at losing weight is constantly shoved in your face.

That being said, two months ago, I decided to join the gym again. The decision took a lot of thought, as time and time again, I’ve joined the gym, gone for a few weeks, and at the most, a month, and then it tapers off into being just another bill I pay, with no benefit at all. I did my research, and finally picked Planet Fitness, as there are two locations, one close to where my fiancé and I do our shopping on the weekend, and one right on the route home from work.

This has always been one of my biggest issues when it comes to the gym. My old one was an almost 15 minute walk from my house, with no buses going to it. Having to walk 15 minutes there, and then 15 back, sometimes in knee high snow doesn’t exactly encourage me to go. I’ve found great success in going to a gym that’s on my bus route home. I can see some definition on my arms, and within two months, I’ve been able to increase the weight on the machines from 35 to 55-75, depending on the machine, and I can go longer and harder on the arc trainer. I’m also using the elliptical for the first time in my life. I can use it for a whole 10 minutes!

I also bring my fiancé every Sunday, and he’s gone from being scared of stepping foot in a gym to coming with me every Sunday. Seeing his confidence go up makes me feel amazing. He’s even talking about getting his own membership at some point (right now, he’s a guest on my membership).

The biggest lessons I’ve learnt are to take it at your own pace and not worry about making it a huge deal where you tell everyone and set up expectations, and find a gym that works for you. Those two things make all the difference in the world.

Do you have any tips for successfully becoming healthy and fit? Share them below, because I’d love to know!