Why the gym just doesn't work!!

I have always wondered why I just can’t do the gym. Why is it that I give up so easily? Do you remember that episode of Friends? The one where Ross and Chandler try and quit the gym? Such a great episode and one that’s probably truer now than ever.

I know I never liked the gym but I also know I wasn’t inspired to go. Ok there might have been a half-decent washboard in there looking all fit and muscular but when I go to the gym I wear track pants and an oversized T shirt. Hair is up in a telephone wire type band and I feel fat and look grim. I never wore makeup as I thought “I am SOOOOO not one of those women!”. I used to spend 30 minutes on the treadmill bored and in classes, self-conscious, looking for someone fatter and with less coordination than me to make me feel better.

Anyway, it turns out I’m not the only one out there who gives up! Despite the expense it is thought that around 80 per cent of Americans who have a gym membership do not use the gym.

So why don’t they inspire us to go???

Well, get this! Some gym owners don’t actually mind you not going to the gym!!

SAY WHAT???

Yuh huh!! – For them to remain profitable, commercial gyms need ten times the number of members they can actually accommodate in their facility. This means there is little incentive for gym owners to keep their members motivated.

You see they ARE evil those fitness freak gym owners!! 😂

So, what do I do now??

I know the gym just ain’t for me but I HAVE to do something!

For me home fitness is the best thing for me. The New York Times said “People with a home exercise machine were 73 percent more likely to start exercising.”

For me this absolutely works.

I exercise 3-4 times a week for 15-25 minutes alternating between cardio and muscle toning exercises. It depends on the day as to whether I start the day or end the day with it. Plan the following day so your head is in that positive mindset before you get up.

Here is an example of a 10 minute cardio plan:

1. Put on your party tunes (essential)
2. 30 seconds jump squats 30 second break
3. 30 seconds burpees 30 second break
4. 30 seconds plank 30 seconds break
5. 30 seconds running on the spot 30 second break 
6. Start again.

When you get better think about using resistance bands to help intensify those jump squats and lengthen the routine. 

Muscle toning plan using an exercise ball:

1. Push ups with feet on the ball 5 reps
2. Squats with ball against the wall 10 reps 3 sets
3. Chin ups using the arm resistance bands 10 reps 3 sets
4. Start again. Maybe one round is enough. Maybe you can go on but remember to warm up and cool down. Stretch using a foam roller.

Now the reason why I love using the ball so much is because I can watch Schitt's Creek (haaaaaamazing!!) whilst doing the exercises! Bingo!! Two birds, One stone! 

Then on the other day I just go for a 30 minute walk and listen to a podcast. I’ve just finished listening to Dirty John. A really good podcast!! Kept me gripped so I just carried on walking so I could listen to more!! 

Honestly, this works. I don’t see a huge difference but I feel better and I know I’m stronger. I can proudly open that wine bottle by myself now!! 😉

I know I can do more, but at the moment, with family, work and life, it’s what works for me and I'm happy!! I don’t feel guilty not doing exercise everyday. 

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