Sure, I was intent on getting in shape, toning my body and losing a few pounds - but how? I tried digging through my memory, recalling high school Physical Education classes. There was one semester that I was required to take a weightlifting class. Unfortunately, I didn’t remember any specific workout routines or exercises.
The decision is yours.
I didn’t know how to start or where to turn, but as the idiom goes: where there’s a will, there’s a way.
My Day One was initiated by writing an old friend through Facebook. While scrolling through my feed, I saw Derrick’s profile picture. He was flexing his biceps and posing in a gym. He looked buff! Here was my ticket. I reached out to him through Messenger, and he gave me a great starting point.
Many, many days have gone by since my Day One. I’ve even seen new Day Ones after giving birth and getting my body back into a ‘normal’ routine. I’ve gained some valuable pointers on how to get started and get to your Day One.
4 Tips on Overcoming ‘Scary’ When Starting Anew:
Tip 1: Writing a plan
Have you ever gone to the grocery store without creating a shopping list? What happens? For me, I wander through the aisles aimlessly and end up throwing all sorts of things into my cart. Then, when it comes time to actually prepare a meal for my family, I struggle. I am missing ingredients or perhaps meals aren’t as well-rounded as I would like.
This isn’t just about having a long-term goal (that’s important too)! This is about having a plan each time you go to the gym and executing it to the best of your ability.
I found a free resource online thanks to my former high school classmate. He advised me to go to bodybuilding.com and select a prefabricated workout designed by professional trainers. These free and comprehensive plans are categorized by:
Then, to top if off they provide:
My personal favorite is Jamie Eason’s LiveFit Program. I use the corresponding App on my phone through Body Building to help me track my workouts. There are several free apps for working out. Some popular ones are:
With a plan in hands, you will go to the gym focused and with a boost of confidence. I promise.
Tip 2: Go at the same time each day
No matter what gym I have belonged to, there seems to be a natural progression that happens. It will start with smiles, head nods, or if someone is brave...a “hello.” Eventually, working out at the same time each day faces will become familiar, you’ll start to memorize others’ workout routines, and you will have...“gym buddies.”
My definition of gym buddies: A friendly person I chat with while at the gym.
Gym buddies are wonderful. Honestly. They notice when you make gains and compliment you, they hold you accountable if you haven’t been to the gym in awhile, and they can be a great resource to you.
If you think about it, these gym buddies are quite remarkable. These people you see each day, no matter what, make coming to the gym a priority...and you do too.
Tip 3: Remember we all start somewhere
It can be easy to look around at the gym and pass judgement on others and ourselves. Why can’t I lift more weight? Why does that person quit running after just 5 minutes? Does my bottom look bad in these mirrors?
Stop it. Enough.
We all have to start somewhere. That woman benching pressing 75 pounds didn’t do that overnight. She had to make gains over time.
At this point in my workout journey, this excites me. I get a thrill that a few weeks about I may have only been able to curl 10 pounds in each arm, and presently can do 12.5 pounds in each arm. Our ability to grow muscle and test our bodies is amazing.
Find peace with where you will start, and you will find pride in where you are headed.
Tip 4: Encourage yourself through words
Right out of college, I sold Mary Kay cosmetics to supplement my income. It was through their training that I learned the art of creating daily affirmations. How powerful are the words we greet ourselves with each day -- whether spoken aloud or deep inside.
Affirmations can be a few words, sentences, or even paragraphs. As long as it sends the message you need to hear everyday to remain positive and committed to your healthy lifestyle...it’s perfect. Let me share one of mine with you. This affirmation I usually say to myself when I first wake up and am getting dressed for gym days. I will revisit this affirmation as needed just for fun!
“I am coming back from this pregnancy and killing it. When I tell people I have a 19 month old and 3 month old they are shocked. I am working hard and committed to feeling good!”
How easy is that?
In my previous post, The Last Time that We Prayed, I shared with you the inspirational quote that we live our lives by each day. It greets you when you first enter our home. Walking past the entryway, however, our home is peppered with many other word boards, artwork incorporating words, and of course felt letter boards. Each one reveals who we are as a family, and how we live our lives.
These are affirmations, too. Their messages trickle into my consciousness each time I read them.
Now it’s your turn. Take out a piece of paper, your journal, or felt letter board and design the words you will share with yourself each day. I would LOVE to discover your affirmations.
When I first started, I was clueless.
Thankfully, I was able to find a plan that worked for me, and continues to work for me. Over time I created a community of people I look forward to seeing each day I go to the gym, and I think they look forward to seeing me, too. I work hard to not judge myself or others, and instead focus that energy on recognizing my personal gains.
Finally, I surround myself with words that as Sigmund Freud said, are magic. They keep me grounded and encouraged. They remind me of what’s important in life.
I’d love to read what inspires you, the words that fills your space with magic and lie close to your heart.
Send in a picture of your ‘love notes to yourself’, plans for Day One and inspirational quotes. If you don’t have them written down, then use our online letter board to create a cute saying in seconds: Try It Here: https://feltlikesharing.com/pages/tryitout
Here’s to sharing life, letter by letter,
Pam
I love seeing the creativity of graduates with their letter board. Get that perfect Instagram shot to reveal a University you will be attending in the fall or boasting a 2019 graduation.
