Whether it is your first time at the gym or you are returning after a long hiatus, getting back in a fitness routine can be hard. It takes motivation, discipline and often times guidance.
With students flocking through your rec center doors, looking to kick-start their New Year fitness routine, it is important to provide them with the right tools to do so. To help, the American Council on Exercise (ACE) outlined solutions to the five most common exercise mistakes. Share these with students, trainers and instructors, in order to help everyone meet their fitness goals. Also check out 6 fitness tips for newbies that make exercise manageable and fun.
- Don’t join a gym for the sake of joining a gym.
As ACE highlights, joining a gym is just the first step, the key is actually using the gym. Encourage patrons to try different classes, meet with a trainer, get a tour so they know how to use equipment. That way students have a variety of options of activities to choose from and they are more likely to find something they enjoy doing.
- Don’t commit to a type of exercise you already know you don’t enjoy.
ACE explained one major factor that influences adherence to a fitness program is motivation. And it is obviously harder to get motivated to workout if you don’t enjoy what you are doing. By offering students a diverse selection of classes increases the likely hood they will find something they will enjoy.
- Don’t set unrealistic expectations.
If students are just starting a new workout routine, encourage them to take things slow. It is hard to go from not running at all to running a half marathon in a day. Results take time. ACE experts suggest being realistic about what you are capable of doing.
- Don’t try to be the strongest, fastest person on day one.
Chances are the rec center is full of a wide variety of people, some who have been working out for years and others who are just starting out. ACE explained when starting a new program, students may feel tempted to keep up with others. But know your limits. Ease into the program and gradually increase intensity over time.
- Don’t give up on your exercise routine just because you fall off the wagon.
Developing healthy habits take time. There will be some days when you won’t make it to the gym and that is OK, but try and keep a consistent schedule. According to ACE experts, consistency and commitment are two qualities that make an exercise program successful.
