Gym Myths

I don’t hate gyms.  Nor do I hate the people who spend the majority of their free time in gyms.  I admire these fitness “freaks” for their amazing passion and unwavering dedication.

What I hate is the myth that fitness can only happen inside of a gym.  I lost 100 pounds by moving more.  Not by joining a gym.

Let’s examine two myths around gym fitness.

Myth #1:

Exercise equipment is too expensive, but the gym has everything!

Truth #1:

It’s amazing what you can accomplish with just a stability ball and one set of dumbbells (see this post for more)

 

Myth #2:

Gyms build accountability through membership fees or personal training.

Truth #2:

Both of these might help with short term goals, but not for long term motivation.  I know of so many people who waste money on memberships they don’t use.

The gym is where you become serious about fitness, isn’t it?  In some ways, this might make sense.  The kitchen is for food.  The bedroom is for (ahem) sleep.  The gym is for fitness.

In a world where people are eating everywhere BUT their kitchen, perhaps it’s time to let fitness expand out of the gym.  What if you were able to take fitness everywhere you go, like you take your smartphone? 

Are you ready to take fitness “on-the-go”?  Here are some ways you can!

♥   Take the stairs instead of the elevator

♥   Park farther away, take the bus, bike, or walk

♥   Stand instead of walk, walk instead of stand

♥   Do lunges, squats or jumps while waiting

♥   Do body weight exercises or lift weights on commercial breaks

I’m not suggesting that moving more can mold you into the next Arnold Schwarzenegger.  These tips will help you increase your energy level throughout the day.  Better yet, they will inspire you to move even more. 

There is a physics principle which states that “bodies at rest tend to stay at rest”.  Newton was talking about us!  Conversely, the more you move, the more you lose.  Are you ready?