A Reality Check at the Local Gym
Yesterday treated myself to an early start at a local gym. It’s fun to train in new spots occasionally. This gym has some kit I don’t own as a mobile personal trainer. However, I’d forgotten what this place was truly like. I was quickly reminded.
A Warm-Up Surprise
I made my way to the stretch mats to warm up. Right in the middle, someone was practicing something I can only describe as their latest dance moves. That is what it looked like to me, anyway. If you asked them, they would probably say it was a “training program” from an Instagram guru.
I have nothing against an occasional jumping workout. But if you are new to training, you have no business jumping around like that. That person was very obviously a beginner. They were just one wrong move away from causing an injury.
I took a deep breath and looked for another spot to warm up. Unfortunately, pretty much everyone else seemed to be doing the same crazy thing. A “trainer” was even leading a class in that style!
Chaos in the Weight Room
After my warm-up, I went to the weight room, sometimes called the “dark side” of the gym. I hoped to use the squat rack, but that was impossible. A dude was doing bicep curls inside the rack. The bloke next to him seemed content to just drop his dumbbells from as high as possible.
Despite many changes to my plan, I finished my training. However, it left me thinking. Why was the general level of training so bad? Why did most people just move constantly without knowing why? The environment seems to be the cause. If everyone around you is doing crazy things, then crazy becomes normal.
Misleading Advice and Peer Pressure
This principle applies not only to training but also to your nutrition. Just because someone looks in shape doesn’t mean they possess knowledge. Just because your friend Sarah lost weight on a juice cleanse doesn’t mean that is the best path.
I am not trying to criticize anyone. I think it is great that people try. But it made me sad. I realized many people are simply lost. I want to remind you that training isn’t just about getting sweaty. You shouldn’t hammer yourself until you collapse. There is a time and place for that, but that is not what most people need.
The Foundations of Fitness
Here are some easy things you should focus on instead.
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Your Nutrition Losing weight doesn’t really happen in the gym. Instead, you lose weight in the kitchen. Simply aim to eat whole, non-processed foods 80% of the time. Make sure half of your plate is filled with vegetables. Include a good, lean source of protein, carbs, and some fats. The other 20% of the time, eat whatever you like. Go ahead and have a burger. As long as it’s the exception, you’ll be fine.
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Your Training Stop looking at the latest flashy moves that promise to burn extra fat. It’s all marketing. The very best thing you can do is focus on moving better and getting stronger. Getting stronger does not mean getting bigger. Learn to squat properly. Learn to do push-ups and chin-ups. Shift your focus from burning fat to improving your skills. Then, your body will naturally change shape, and you might actually enjoy training as you see yourself improving.
Get on the Right Path
Alternatively, you could hire a mobile personal trainer through us. We make the process a whole lot easier. If reading this made you think you might need help, then get in touch. See if we are the right team to get you back on the right path.
Request a Callback
Contact us now. A mobile personal trainer will call you back. They will arrange a detailed, no-cost telephone consultation to ensure we are the best team for your goals.
We provide mobile personal training sessions all around Brisbane southside. We FIT around you!
That’s all for today, team. I’m rooting for you!
