Hello World!
I like going to the gym. I am not a gym rat, but rather someone who takes time out of my week to improve myself.
I mainly lift weights. I am only a beginner as I started seriously working out during this past summer. I am not an expert, but rather sharing what I have learned recently. Lots of people make New Year’s Resolutions to workout, lose weight, and aim for a healthier lifestyle. My advice is only to aid help you get started, as it requires your own effort to get your results.
1. Do your research
One day during my first year of college, I wanted to work out. I knew a lot of my friends worked out, or had worked out, and I wanted to be like them. I got my clothes ready and water ready, and set aside time. I walked into my local gym on campus, because it was close, convenient and membership was included with me being a student. I walked in, and scouted around, looking at the features of the gym. I was in there for a few minutes. I had no idea what I wanted to do, so I walked out and went back to the my dorm room.
What I am saying is, you have got to look up how you want to work out before you go to the gym. I had Googled exercises, and recently took a class on weight lifting. Don’t just say you want to workout, but put some effort into how you want to workout.
2.Set goals long-term.
Have a destination in mind. Say I want to bench 100 pounds. Then I would start light, with a 40 pound bar, and build up my strength weekly by adding 5-10 lbs of weight over time. Setting that goal helps to keep you going, because you have something to look forward to.
3.Plan your workout long-term and short term
Know what exercises you want to work on each day, how long, etc. It is ok if you can’t do everything you wish you could each day. I learned to workout using a periodization plan, where you have a plan broken up into sections and variety in workouts over time. It starts with low intensity, high volume, and as the weeks go on you increase intensity while decreasing volume.
4. Have your workout aim towards those goals
If you want to get stronger, you lift weights. If you want to lose weight,, you should focus on cardio and diet. If you want to run a marathon, run more every day. You can’t train for triathlon without swimming, running and biking. It is OK to do other things in your workout to provide variety, but don’t lose focus on your main goal.
5. Record your workouts
I would write down what exercises I did, how long, the weight, etc. I would also write notes to myself to say how certain excerises feel, and if I can increase weight or reps. You should do the same. That way, you see your progress, and keep track of it.
6. Challenge yourself
In order to ensure progress, you have to challenge yourself by doing more than you think you can. Take it easy at first, but make sure you are sweating, and it is hard, but doable. If you can’t go much further, push yourself further. Be careful not to injure yourself.
7. Do something you enjoy
If you like running, run. If you like it, you will more likely continue to do it. This is a simple concept.
8. Drink water. ALWAYS.
This cannot be overemphasized. Dehydration limits your potential and ability to workout.
I hope you aim towards your goals well. I will still post next week while I am busy at a mission trip through a scheduled post, so I cannot respond to comments until next Saturday.Please ask questions for Ask Andy. or else I can’t start it.
Until then,
Andrew Maynard
The Nerd of May 