Unless you are truly part of the 1%’ers who absolutely LOVE working out and going to the gym solo-listen up-this one’s for you.
Get yourself an accountability buddy. Grab a family member, friend, neighbor or coworker, and MAKE A PLAN. Set a date and time to do SOMETHING.
Go for a walk, try a new class or new gym altogether. SOMETHING. But grab a friend to go along with you. This doubles the odds that you are going to stick to said plan. It also makes it more enjoyable. Having fun and laughing literally makes just about ANYTHING better. Come at me.
You might be thinking of excuses already. Don’t have anyone in your life who will go to the gym with you? I’ve been there.
You still have options. One of my tried and true may borderline on harassment…but in the very best way. (Stay with me here) Continue inviting and when they try to come up with excuses, you challenge them. Everyone wins. Do you know how many people in my life have made the gym a permanent fixture in their life simply because I was able to obtain their phone number? And I am woman enough to admit that my motives were purely selfish. That early alarm is no joke. I also hated going to classes that only consisted of 1 or 2 people. If you give someone enough shit and continue inviting them, odds are usually in your favor that they will eventually show up. And before you get your panties in a bundle, I do not condone harassment in any other form.
However, I stand by this.
If you tell me that you’ve literally asked everyone you know, and you’re still flying solo-I FEEL YOU. In this case you do have to be brave and take that first step solo. But once you’re in the door-look around you-chances are there is someone DYING TO BE YOUR FRIEND. Yes, YOU!
The beauty of the gym culture is that it brings all walks of life together for the sole purpose of getting better. This new friend may be older or younger than you, different race or religion, different size or shape. How fucking cool is that?!
Think playground. Elementary school era. All we cared about was friendship and fun. Getting some sunshine and not worrying about the stupid classroom. Or our parents. We could let all the stressors that came with being 6 years old go, and just let loose for an hour.
Why does this have to change just because we are older?
It doesn’t.
I joined the military the day I turned 18, so I was lucky to leave one dysfunctional family and instantly join another. After getting out, (and as someone who wasn’t raised in a church setting) I realized I was missing out on this community aspect. The gym has filled this void for me. So, give it a try. BE BRAVE. Make your fitness friends and try something new.
Morale of the story-don’t be scared to harass your friends for the greater good.
The greater good being your GAINNNZZZ. (Obviously)
Go be great my friends. 🧡