Well take it from this broke ass introvert, I know exactly how it feels to walk into the gym with absolutely no fucking clue what you're doing there or why you even bothered to spend the monthly dues with the expensive ass start up fee. I've wanted to turn around and walk right out the door so many times before and sometimes, I did. Anxiety is a motherfucker. And too many times in the past has it gotten the best of me.
I spent hours upon hours in the cardio room working towards nothing because I was too scared to step foot in that weight room. I mean, when I was younger I trained with my pops who was a bodybuilder but what if I couldn't remember what muscles to train together or what if I couldn't get my form down? I didn't have money for a trainer and I was too nervous to accept any of those free trials with one because I knew at the end I wouldn't know how to say no to them. It may sound silly to you, but to my anxiety ridden mind, it wasn't at all.
And then I met a friend who simply wanted a workout buddy.
She took me under her wing and helped me step foot into the weight room for the first time since I was a kid. She showed me the importance of weight training and that it was okay to bring that bitch face into the gym with you to keep certain people away. Basically, she helped me change my life.
And sometimes, that's all it takes. A friend to give you that extra nudge in the right direction. We talk to people every single day who have the power to influence us. At any given moment, we're walking by someone who could be a mentor. And you'll never know, unless you ask. You don't necessarily have to have a friend who knows a lot about fitness. You don't even have to have a friend. I'll be your friend. Although I may not be able to physically go to the gym with you, I can route you the fuck on anytime! All you have to have is an interest in learning. So head to the local bookstore and pick up a book about weight training or go to BodyBuilding.com and start looking up workouts (this website is amazing)... And from there, you fake it til you make it!
Tips & Tricks of the Trade:
- Check your form. Mirrors in weight rooms are great for this. Use them.
- They're also great for checking out the guy across the room. Just kidding haha, but seriously they are awesome for catching a glimpse of how that super fit badass does his/ her squats. Form is extremely important, so pay attention! And don't get caught staring.
- Bring that business face. Or in my case, bitchface. (I bring it everywhere anyway). You better believe that when I walk up the stairs to that weight room, I'll have already started a song to get me pumped up (meathead alert) and my face reads "I'm here to do work". You don't necessarily need to be a dick at the gym, but it feels good to put the energy out there that you're not there for social hour. I don't like that shit.
- If you're not sure if you're performing a workout correctly, don't be afraid to ask someone walking by (such as a trainer or someone you know has been training for a while) what they think. Chances are, they won't mind one bit. It takes two seconds out of their day and more than likely will make them feel good about themselves that you asked. I wouldn't mind one bit.
-Take whatever free help you can get. I used to get so embarrassed if a trainer would take it upon themselves to come up and correct my form or give me suggestions while I was working out. I don't like to feel stupid. I learned however, that that is more than likely not their intent. They don't want to see you hurt yourself and they want you to get the most out of your workout. So listen. And if you're really not sure if it's good advice or not, google it.
-Follow some motivational motherfuckers on Instagram. Just do it. Some of my best workouts & motivation came from these badasses:
@Kmaecags
@JamesJessica
@Mminskyy
@Mshelllll
@Mankofit
-But remember not to compare. I know this part is hard but it's key. Your body is your own and it works in it's own way. Embrace those thick thighs, they'll help you with deeper squats and heavier deadlifts. Be grateful for those boney arms and know that once you build muscle, the definition will be amazing! We all have strong and weak points, every single on of us. Don't compare your journey to someone else's ending. It's simply not fair to you.
And finally...
-This quote. I read a lot of motivational quotes on a daily basis. But every once in a while I find one that instantly pumps me the fuck up. And this is one of them. This is one that I myself have said in my mind over and over again. In moments of intimidation and feelings of less than at the gym, I repeat this quote in my head and it helps remind me that I'm a fucking boss.
And so are you. I don't care if you've been training for 10 years or 1 day, that gym is YOURS for that 1 to 2 hours that you're there. And that's how you have to treat it, like the place is your own home and you have every damn right to be there.
And fuck anyone who tries to make you feel otherwise. Know why? Because their opinion of you is none of your business.
Now put on your sweats and get that cute little (or in my case big) ass to the gym! And please know that I'm always here to keep any of you motivated and I'll gladly amp any of you up when needed!!! In this fitness community (and in life) we've all got to be there for each other. We ALL deserve a chance to reach our bodies full potential.
MissAlyss57@yahoo.com
