Making the decision to begin a proper gym routine is never a simple one. Firstly, there are the demands on your time, and having to rework your schedule to ensure you can fit the gym hours in. There’s also the financial expense, which makes a dent in your monthly budget.
If you manage to juggle these problems, then ideally, that will be the end of your concerns. You’ll be on the road to a happier, healthier life in no time.
Or at least, that’s how it should go. While still an overwhelmingly positive life choice, attending a gym and working on your fitness is an endeavor not without its frustrations. Below, we explore the issues that can arise from such a routine, as well as make a few suggestions on how to ease the irritation you’re experiencing.
- Gym Etiquette (Or Lack Thereof)
Life would be easier if we could all just agree on the rules for gym etiquette, but some people just don’t seem to have got the memo. Given that you’re just trying to stay healthy, having to deal with rude, inconsiderate, or overly friendly other gym-goers is incredibly frustrating.
If you prefer to work out in peace and quiet, then it can be disturbing when you find yourself working out alongside someone who is chatting. You also have to deal with the potential mess others leave in the changing rooms and showers.
If you find yourself being irritated by a particular individual, then it’s worth trying to attend the gym at a different time than they do. The same is true if you prefer your privacy; try and schedule your visits early in the morning or late at night.
- Your Progress Seems To Be Taking Too Long
Let’s face it, you’ve finally got to the point where you’re happy to spend hours in the gym – but you did it for a reason. One of the most common reasons people begin a gym regime is because they want to lose weight and/or tone up their figure. If you’ve been dedicated, done the hours on the machines without fail, and nothing seems to be happening? That’s disheartening to say the least.
It’s important to remember that these things take time. Your body isn’t going to magically perfect itself instantly. If you genuinely think there is something you’re missing, then it’s always worth investigating – none of us can know everything. It’s worth looking into the latest healthy eating trends or researching on how long does it take to get ripped – the truth diet sites hide from you might be able to help guide you towards a more complex regime. However, try and keep a sense of perspective, and acknowledge that this is a marathon; not a sprint.
- Upsell Techniques
Gyms are a business, and they’re not going to back off even when you have a membership. If you find yourself constantly pestered by invites to classes, or over-zealous trainers wandering the workout floor, then the best thing to do is register a complaint. You’ve paid your fee; you have a right to work out in peace if these tactics really bother you. Otherwise, find another gym to join that is less aggressive in its sales techniques
While the above frustrations can be – well, frustrating, it’s important to remember why you began this endeavor. Make the changes where necessary, and you could soon improve your gym experience beyond all recognition.