Detailed in this article by Scientific American, research has shown that keeping to a rigid routine helps to benefits mental health, leads to success at work, and improves longevity. Your “routine” in this sense refers to the things you do on a daily, weekly, and even monthly basis. Things like waking up at 6 A.M. every morning, taking the trash out every Tuesday, and the items that really matter to us- fitting time in your routine for exercise and/or focus on your overall health and wellness.

In an article published by the Hustle in 2019, they reported that 63% of gym memberships go completely unused, and 82% of gym members go to the gym less than once per week. Moreover, 22% of this gym population will stop attending altogether about six months into their membership, and 31% say they never would’ve paid had they known how little the membership would be used!

Not only is establishing a workout routine vital to success in your health and wellness journey, but it’s important to make sure that particular routine works for YOU.

SIMPLIFY YOUR OPTIONS

Let’s walk through a scenario together. You’re walking down an aisle at the grocery store, now intending to mark off the “box of cereal” written on your grocery list. Looking around, you notice 20 different brands of essentially the same cereal. If you’re on a budget, you’re probably eyeing the cheaper options. Maybe you went in to the store prior to eating dinner, and your hunger pangs are convincing you to grab that delicious-looking, sugary, childhood favorite. Or maybe you’re feeling super health conscious at the moment and checking for the ones that have a better ingredients list. Either way- you still need to buy a box of cereal!

But how do you choose which one to buy? This is the SAME exact situation many people find themselves in when searching for a gym membership in the first place.

Making the decision to invest in your health and wellness can be a daunting task, but remember that education is key! There is no such thing as a “one size fits all” fitness program, and the program you choose should come close to fitting you and your routine like a tailored suit.

To get started, ask yourself these introductory questions:

• Is the location of the gym convenient for me to be in rockstar status with my attendance?
• Is the gym knowledgeable in their field?
• Does the gym offer time with a complimentary Discovery Call with a personal trainer?
• Are the good vibes dialed up when I walk in?

KICK IT UP A NOTCH

Don’t forget that in order to be consistent in any routine, you’ve got to find something you love. As you start to learn more about yourself along your fitness journey, you can then begin to ask the more detailed questions like:

• Does the gym offer both low and high impact options, such as cycle, yoga, bootcamp, and CrossFit?
• Are there trainers or specialists available for personal training services?
• What programs does the gym have in place to help me with nutrition?

Being new to anything can be very challenging, especially when there are a million different options, and starting at a new gym is intimidating enough without also having to decide what type of training you like best.

Remember- being consistent and establishing a strong motivator to continue working out when things get hard are the most important keys to success in finding a gym to call home. Take time to educate yourself on your options so you can rock out your attendance!

In health,
Coach Amber