If you were to ask someone why they exercise, you may hear a series of reasons ranging from “I want to be healthier” to “I want to take up a new hobby.” No matter what your fitness goal actually is, most can agree exercise gives us all one thing we couldn’t do without: me-time.
Having time to yourself, even if it’s just an hour, can make the world of difference. So if you love to work out but don’t always want to spend it in a group class with someone instructing each move, we totally hear you. It’s that me-time and total control of your workout that makes the gym such a great option.
Gym newbie? No problem—while we get it can be intimidating to take your workout into your own hands (literally) for the first time, there’s a way to make a gym sesh work for everyone. Read up on the amazing benefits a little time at the gym can do for your fitness routine, and we promise you’ll be a regular soon enough.
[sc name=”gym_cta” ][/sc]Why go to the gym?
The best part about going to a gym is that you can do nearly every type of exercise. From getting in your cardio on the elliptical to building muscle with weightlifting, a gym offers the tools you need to create a workout that’s customized perfectly for your needs. Most gyms offer a range of machines for you to pick and choose from such as treadmills, ellipticals, bicycles, weights and mats for floor work, so you’ll never feel limited.
Is working out a hobby?
For many, working out is a hobby. For some, it is a professional venture, but the majority of us are working out because it’s fun and because of the health benefits.
Who does the gym work for?
Even the busiest person with the most packed, inflexible schedule can fit the gym into their fitness routine. But with a range of machines and equipment to choose from, it can be a little overwhelming. When you arrive for your first session, ask one of the staff to give you a tour. They’ll often go through where the machines are, what they are best used for and how to do them correctly. You won’t always get that one-on-one guidance that you would in a class, so utilize the staff and make sure you know how to use each machine correctly before trying it.
The benefits of working out
If you love to work out, you know variety is key. Without changing up your exercises, your body can become acclimated to the movements, slowly halting progress over time. One of the benefits of the gym is that, with so many types of exercises to choose from, your body will never get bored. Instead of taking an hour-long class focused solely on cardio, the gym lets you add flexibility to your workout. Maybe do some cardio on the treadmill, and then move on to strength building with weights. This variety keeps your body from becoming too used to a single workout, speeding up your metabolism and burning more fat. Whether you want to get stronger, increase your cardio or even spend time on the mat gaining flexibility, you can achieve your goals at the gym.
It’s easy to get swept up in the hustle and bustle of our own lives, and we know it isn’t always easy to make time for yourself. Giving yourself the opportunity to hit the gym, plug in your headphones and escape in the improvement on your own body can do wonders for your mental health. The simple act of slowing down for just an hour of your day can help de-stress, decrease anxiety and reduce irritability. The gym allows you to listen to your body and cater to its needs, whether that’s taking a walk and working with light weights or running and going hard.
